Meet Kristi Hanson, Republican Running For Woodbridge Council At Large

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — Nov. 4 will be an election for Woodbridge town Council, and in-person early voting starts Oct. 25.

All six current Woodbridge Council members, all Democrats, ask voters to re-elect them this November, and they are challenged by six Republican candidates.

Patch asked all the candidates a set of questions, and all 12 got back to us. In the next three weeks leading up to the election, we will be publishing all the candidate profiles.

Republican Kristi Hanson is trying to unseat Dan Harris for a Council-at-large seat (up until this year, Harris was also a member of the Woodbridge school board; he had to quit the school board when he was appointed to town Council).

You might recognize her name: In 2021, Hanson was one of the first parents in the Woodbridge school district to expose serious issues with the quality of school lunches being served to children, including food that was frozen, moldy and rotten. Hanson spoke to Patch, NJ.com and News 12 about the problem, which resulted in the Woodbridge school district firing Chartwells not even two months later and switching to a new vendor, Pomptonian.

What is your name, age and office you are running for?

Kristi Hanson, 46, running for council at large

What is your occupation?

Human resources operations

Have you ever run for elected office before? Please list all races and their outcomes, and how long you held past elected office.

Former Republican committee person. I was elected to a 4-year term as committee person.

What are your accomplishments that would make you a good Woodbridge Council representative?

As a dedicated human resources operations professional, I bring strong organizational, leadership and problem-solving skills to the role of Woodbridge Council. My career has been built on listening to people, understanding complex systems, and finding fair, effective solutions — qualities that directly translate to public service.

I’m proud to have been instrumental in driving change within the Woodbridge Township school lunch program, working alongside parents and administrators to ensure healthier, more appealing and equitable meal options for our students. This effort reflects my belief that meaningful change starts at the local level — through collaboration, advocacy and persistence.

As a former PTO Treasurer, I gained firsthand experience managing budgets responsibly and ensuring transparency in spending — skills that are essential in local government.

Additionally, as a town committee member, I’ve worked to make sure residents’ voices are heard, promoting accountability and advocating for a more inclusive and responsive township government.

Together, these experiences reflect my lifelong commitment to community, accountability, and positive change. I’m running for Council to bring those same values — along with a practical, people-centered approach — to serving all of Woodbridge.

Why should voters vote for you?

I’m running for Woodbridge Council because it’s time for leadership that puts residents first — not developers or special interests.

As a Human Resources Operations professional, I’ve spent my career solving problems, listening to people, and creating fair, effective solutions. I bring that same approach to local government — one focused on accountability, transparency and common sense.

I’ve already shown that change can happen when the community comes together. I was instrumental in improving the Woodbridge Township school lunch program, ensuring our students have access to better, healthier options. As a former PTO Treasurer and Town Committee Member, I’ve managed budgets responsibly, worked with families, and advocated for the needs of our neighborhoods.

But today, our township faces new challenges — and one of the biggest is overdevelopment.

Enough Overdevelopment!

I stand firmly against the continued overbuilding of massive apartment complexes that are overwhelming our schools, congesting our roads, and stretching local services thin.

Checks and Balances Are Needed

Our local government must serve the people — not developers or special interests. I will fight for transparency, accountability, and honest representation, ensuring your voice is always heard and respected.

Safe Streets and Strong Neighborhoods

I will work to increase safety and strengthen every neighborhood by:

• Supporting our first responders.
• Upgrading infrastructure.
• Investing in youth and community programs that prevent crime and build trust.

I’m not a politician — I’m a resident, parent, and advocate who believes Woodbridge deserves better. I’m running to bring balance, fairness, and a true voice for the people back to our local government.

Please give 1-2 examples of how you think the current Woodbridge Council has failed residents.

For far too long, our Council has operated as a rubber stamp for the Mayor’s agenda. Every major decision — from massive development projects to major spending — seems to pass unanimously, with little debate or dissent.

That’s not checks and balances — that’s yes-men politics. And it’s failing the residents of Woodbridge.

We deserve a Council that asks questions, that pushes for accountability, and that represents the neighborhoods and families who actually live here — not just the interests of those who profit from building here.

Right now, there are too many conflicts of interest at the top of our local government. When the same people hold positions of power in both state and township roles, it creates blurred lines and erodes public trust. The people of Woodbridge deserve leaders who serve one master — the taxpayers.

What's your favorite part about living in Woodbridge?

My favorite part of living in Woodbridge is the community, I have made lifelong friends here and moved here for the small town feel. I am running in hopes to keep that feeling alive.

Meet Dan Harris, Running For Woodbridge Council At Large

Woodbridge Republican Candidates Want Less Development And An End To One-Party Rule (Sept. 23)

2025 Woodbridge town council race:

Council at large seat, vote for one:

• Daniel Harris, Democrat, current Councilman
• Kristi Hanson, Republican

Ward 1 seat (Woodbridge proper):

• Sharon McAuliffe Democrat, current Councilwoman, seeks re-election
• Ken Gardner, Republican

Ward 2 seat (Fords/Hopelawn):

• Harold Bauer, Jr. Democrat, current Councilman, seeks re-election
• Paul Lund Republican

Ward 3 seat (Avenel):

• Cory Spillar Democrat, current Councilman, seeks re-election
• Bruce Banko Republican

Ward 4 seat (Iselin):

• Virbhadra Patel Democrat, current Councilman, seeks re-election
• Gnanarani Devaraj Republican

Ward 5 seat (Colonia):

• Debbie Meehan Democrat, current Councilwoman, seeks re-election
• Sam Raval Republican

Election 2025 In Woodbridge: Who's Running, When And Where To Vote