Inganamort Wins Assembly Seat, Stepping Down As Chester Mayor

CHESTER, NJ — Chester Township will have a new mayor in 2024.

Mike Inganamort's election to the New Jersey Assembly will result in one bittersweet outcome, he says: he will step down as mayor of Chester Township.

Inganamort, who announced his candidacy with Sussex County Commissioner Dawn Fantasia on Jan. 18, citing the need for "fresh, new conservative leaders in NJ-24," has won the Assembly seat, according to unofficial election results.

As it currently stands, Inganamort received 10,328 votes, while his running mate, Fantasia, received 9,988 during the general election.

Inganamort and Fantasia ran against Democrat Baramdai "Alicia" Sharma and Independent Veronica Fernandez.

The Morris County clerk has not certified the totals yet. To make the tally official, the final certification of the results must be done by Nov. 22.

"New Jersey’s nine million people are represented by 120 legislators, so the magnitude of this honor is not lost on me. I’m deeply grateful to the voters of the 24th Legislative District for entrusting me with this responsibility," Inganamort told Patch following the election.

There were two open State Assembly seats in the 24th legislative district this election season, as incumbents Parker Space (R-Wantage) and Hal Wirths (R-Wantage) previously announced their intention to not seek re-election.

Inganamort, who was elected mayor of Chester Township last November, ran for the Republican nomination after the previous mayor, Marcia Asdal, decided not to run for re-election in the 2022 election cycle.

According to Inganamort, his decision to run for State Assembly was not premeditated; he previously told Patch that he made the decision one week before announcing his candidacy.

• Read More: Chester Mayor Confirms Run For Open 24th District Assembly Seat

"Assemblyman Parker Space, Commissioner Dawn Fantasia, and I formed a ticket in January, so this has been our focus for most of the year. While I’m relieved the campaign is over, my energy is now focused on being the best representative I can be for this district. My mantra is, Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop," Inganamort said.

While he was only Mayor of Chester Township for one year, Inganamort said that he is proud of what he and his fellow council members were able to accomplish.

"Highlights include opening the new and improved Black River Fields, installing two new playgrounds, finishing the ADA walkways throughout Highlands Ridge Park, maintaining our aggressive road-paving schedule, making important new hires at Town Hall, and releasing our RFP for the Glenlora redevelopment," he said.

Prior to being elected mayor, Inganamort also served as president of the Chester Township Council for five years.

So What Happens Next?

Both Inganamort and Fantasia will be sworn into their newly elected positions on Jan. 9, meaning that Inganamort will have to leave his current post as mayor.

Since Inganamort is a Republican, the Chester Township Republican Committee will now be responsible for suggesting three choices to the council for a new mayor. Once those names are picked, the council will choose a new mayor from among these three options.

"Serving as mayor this past year and on the Council for the prior five years has been an incredible honor. While I will have a new position in Trenton, I’ll remain a proud Chester Township resident and will always look for ways to make state government work better for Chester," Inganamort said.