Westfield Candidates React To 2022 Election Results

WESTFIELD, NJ — Incumbent Democrat Emily Root prevailed over her Republican opponent Amanda Como in the race for the vacant Ward 1 seat in Westfield, according to unofficial results from the Union County Clerk.

As of Wednesday morning, Root received 1,907 votes — just 372 more than Como, according to the County Clerk. The vote will not be official until certified on Nov. 21.

The current tally shows that Root received 55.32 percent of the vote, whereas Como received 44.44 percent.

The Ward 1 seat on Westfield Town Council became vacant after former Councilman Jim Boyes stepped down from the position, citing a conflict of interest on the Sophia Project, as well as the upcoming Lord & Taylor development. Root was appointed to serve out the rest of Boyes's term in April.

According to Union County's September 2022 voter registration data, there are 2,537 registered Democrats and 1,553 registered Republicans in Ward 1.

Following Tuesday night's election, Root provided the following statement to Patch:

"I am so thankful to the voters of Ward 1 for electing me on Tuesday. While it was wonderful to be appointed unanimously by the Town Council in April, it is even more special to be elected. Ward 1 voters spoke clearly and unequivocally. They want to continue the momentum that was started with the election in 2017. I look forward to working with my council colleagues on what I know will be a full agenda over the next year."

Como also provided the following statement:

"I am very proud of the campaign I ran. I kept it positive, about local issues and it was authentically me.

The best part of the journey is the people. I have loved meeting so many new neighbors and connecting with them.

I am grateful for everyone that supported me whether if it was by making a donation, displaying a lawn sign, dropping literature, writing a letter or just sharing kind words of encouragement.

Thank you to my family for being there for me a second time around and for my team. There’s no way I could have done it without them.

It was another great experience and I have no regrets!"

Mayor Shelley Brindle congratulated Root on her election and thanked all the residents who voted. See Facebook post below:

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