Women-Led Committee Takes Charge In Hillsborough Township For 1st Time In 44 Years

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — The new year brings a major change in who is in charge of Hillsborough. For the first time in 44 years, the Township Committee is women-led.

Democrat Jill Gomez was sworn in to serve at the Reorganization meeting on Tuesday, bringing the number of women on the Township Committee to three. This is the first time since at least 1982.

Gomez joins Catherine Payne and Samantha Hand on the Committee.

"Now that there is a shifting balance of representation on the Township Committee — and while you may be thinking I am referring to Democrats and Republicans — No, I am not. I am referring to the fact that three women are now running the township government," said resident David Brooks followed by applause from the public.

"We all know that the best governments around the world are run by women. And so I wanted to thank the three of you for taking charge and for bringing us, I hope, in 2026, a focus that will be on advancing greater public participation, good government, and transparency," said Brooks.

Gomez won over John Ciccarelli in the November election. Gomez received 10,193 votes over Ciccarelli's 8,378 votes.

"I am deeply honored and humbled to stand before you as your newly elected committeewoman. I take this responsibility very seriously, and I am committed to serving this community with care, integrity, and dedication," said Gomez.

At the meeting, Payne was unanimously selected as Mayor.

"This year brings change and opportunity. With my background in process improvement, I will streamline our meetings, not pontificate on the dais, ensure a consistent process for sharing monthly feedback from department leads from our liaisons, and unite those voices for the benefit of our residents," said Payne.

"I am committed to fairness, transparency, and doing what is right for Hillsborough, not for myself, but for you. I am your Mayor, your voice, and that voice is unwavering as it speaks for all affiliations, parties, and beliefs. My promise is to unite this dais, this building, and this town as one," said Payne.

Additionally, at the meeting, Shawn Lipani was unanimously selected as Deputy Mayor.

"We can disagree about a lot of things, but I think we are all here to make Hillsborough a great place for our kids, our families, our seniors, our grandparents, whoever wants to be here," said Lipani.

The next Township Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 7:30 p.m. at the Hillsborough Municipal Complex, 379 South Branch Road, Hillsborough.

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