A Historic Night: 1st Democratic Mayor Ever Selected In Bernards Township

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — History was made on Tuesday night as the Bernards Township Committee selected its first-ever Democratic Mayor.

The Township Committee unanimously selected Ana Duarte McCarthy as Mayor at its Reorganization meeting on Tuesday.

"Tonight is the first time the township committee has selected a democrat. I am humbled to be the first," said McCarthy.

The last time the Township was Democratic-led was in 1938. The Committee previously consisted of three members who would select a Committee Chairman each year. It wasn't until 1952 that the Chairman title switched to select a Mayor each year to serve for a one year term.

"What does that mean, having a democrat as a mayor? Well a friend recently said to me you know we are not a red town. Or a blue town. We are a purple town. I liked the idea that we are a blend because at the national level, the political narrative has become very divisive and political identity has made some family and friends into enemies," said McCarthy.

"Here we are locals. At the end of the day, it is not whether you are republican, democrat or an independent. What matters is that we are one town. Regardless of political affiliation, residents want to be heard, have their concerns addressed, and to be treated with dignity and respect," said McCarthy. "I believe our township committee is in a great place to do that."

During the reorganization meeting, Democrats Brett Hodges and John Tompkins were also sworn into office.

In the November election, Hodges, with 5,808 votes, won over David Tancredi with 5,529 votes for the full-term seat. Tompkins, with 5,895 votes, won over Bill McMahon with 5,439 votes for the unexpired term seat.

The Committee also unanimously selected Tompkins as its new Deputy Mayor.

"John and his wife Sharon have lived in this township for nearly 27 years. He brings a set of professional and volunteer experiences to the role, including a longtime career in financial services and, for the past 15 years, running a non-profit business designed to support the community," said McCarthy. "He is committed to our community and will embrace the responsibilities as deputy mayor."

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