Recount Sought In Belmar Council Race With 15-Vote Difference

BELMAR, NJ - Democrat Gerald Buccafusco is seeking a recount in the razor-thin Belmar council race against Republican Jodi Kinney. Both newcomers are a mere 15 votes apart, according to certified results from the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office.

“At this time, I am not ready to concede,” Buccafusco told Patch in an emailed statement. “New Jersey State election law permits me to request a recount and due to the closeness of this race, I will be doing so at this time.”

The deadline to file for a recount is Nov. 19.

"I am the winner," Kinney responded, per TAPinto Belmar/Lake Como. "I just became aware that Mr. Buccafusco may ask for a recount and that is his choice. However, I am happy with the results as they stand and am excited to serve the Belmar community."

Per the county clerk’s website, Kinney garnered 1,214 votes in the race, while Buccafusco totalled 1,199 votes. Two votes for write-in candidates were also cast.

This isn't the first time Kinney and Buccafusco are vying for Belmar council seats. In 2020, both candidates attempted to unseat Democrat councilman Thomas Brennan. This time, both candidates are vying for a seat occupied by Republican Pat Wann.

In the Belmar Board of Education race, Erika Salgado and current member Michele Lomas are poised to have a seat on the board, with 1,265 and 1,249 votes each. One write-in candidate, whose name has not yet been released by the county clerk, is also set to take a seat on the board next year.

You can view the certified vote totals here.