By Sunayana Prabhu
Election Day – Tuesday, Nov. 4 – is fast approaching. Mail-in ballots have arrived, and early voting is open across the county. On the ballot this year are some competitive races, including those for governor and other state, county, municipal and board of education seats.
While all 80 seats in the state Assembly are being contested, the race that will likely have the most impact on voters is the highly publicized contest for the next governor of New Jersey.
Here’s a quick look at some of the races:
Governor and State Legislature Contests
At the top of the ballot is the New Jersey governor’s race, in which Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli are vying to become the 57th governor of the state. The winner will succeed Gov. Phil Murphy, who has served two terms.
Both candidates are familiar figures in state politics. Sherrill is a U.S. representitive for the 11th District from Montclair. Ciattarelli, a former member of the state Assembly, is from Somerville and narrowly lost to Murphy in 2021. Their campaigns have focused on property taxes, affordability and public education – issues that resonate strongly with Monmouth County voters.
Other gubernatorial candidates on the ballot are Joanne S. Kuniansky, Independent of the Socialist Workers Party, and Vic Kaplan, Independent of the Libertarian Party.
Voters will also be able to cast their ballot for General Assembly members for their Legislative District.
While all 80 seats in the New Jersey General Assembly are on the ballot, none of the 40 state Senate seats are. In the Two River area, voters will choose two candidates each for the Assembly for Districts 11 and 13. From District 11, Democratic incumbents Margaret M. Donlon and Luanne M. Peterpaul face Republican challengers Andrew C. Wardell and Jessica Ford, as well as Independent Felicia Simmons (We the People).
District 13 incumbent Republicans Gerry Scharfenberger and Vicky Flynn are challenged by Democratic candidates Vaibhav Gorige and Jason M. Corley Sr.
Monmouth County Offices
Countywide, voters will select officeholders for Monmouth County commissioners, clerk and sheriff.
For Monmouth County Sheriff, voters will choose between Republican incumbent Shaun Golden and Democrat Michael Warren.
For Monmouth County Clerk, voters will choose among Republican incumbent Christine Giordano Hanlon, Democrat Alison DeNoia and Independent Joshua Leinsdorf.
For the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, voters have to choose two from a list of four candidates, including Republican incumbents Thomas A. Arnone and Dominick “Nick” DiRocco, who are being challenged by Democrats Vito Colasurdo and Jacquelyn Wenzel.
Referendum Question: Open Space Trust Fund
On this year’s ballot, all Monmouth County voters will be asked to vote on a referendum question to approve an increase to the county’s Open Space Trust Fund tax from 2.75 cents to 3.75 cents per $100 of equalized property valuation. The fund is used to preserve open space and farmland, protect water quality, conserve natural resources, and maintain county parks. County officials say the increase would help the program keep pace with rising land costs and development pressures.
Contested Municipal Races in Two River Area
According to the Monmouth County Board of Elections sample ballots, several municipal elections are drawing attention in the Two River region.
In Holmdel Township, voters will choose two candidates for the township committee from three on the ballot – incumbent Brian Foster and former mayor Gregory Buontempo, both Republicans, and Democrat Allan Roth.
Middletown Township voters will have to choose two from an evenly divided race between four candidates, two Republican incumbents, Rick Hibell and Kevin M. Settembrino, who face Democrats Shawn Wallach and Jeremy Seideman.
Other local races to watch include Tinton Falls mayor and council, a mayor’s race in Highlands, and council contests in Atlantic Highlands, Fair Haven, Shrewsbury and Sea Bright. Boards of education will also have local candidates on the ballots.
Voting Information
Early in-person voting will run through Sunday, Nov. 2, with 10 polling places open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, according to the New Jersey Division of Elections.
Registered voters may also cast ballots by mail, at any of the county’s secure drop boxes, or vote in person on Election Day. Polling places will open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Election Day, Nov. 4, across Monmouth County. Locations can be verified through the Monmouth County Clerk’s Election Office at monmouthcountyvotes.gov or at vote.nj.gov.
In the 2024 general election, a presidential year, Monmouth County reported voter turnout of about 72%, according to certified results from the county clerk’s office. In 2023, voter turnout was only 32%. Officials encourage residents to vote early or use mail-in ballots to avoid Election Day lines. Voters are reminded to verify polling sites and review the entire ballot before heading to the polls.
The article originally appeared in the October 30 – November 5, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
