Meet Rani Devaraj, Republican Running For Woodbridge Council Seat

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

All six current Woodbridge Council members, all Democrats and backed by Mayor John McCormac, ask voters to re-elect them. They are challenged by six Republicans.

In Ward 4 (Iselin, Menlo Park Terrace), Gnanarani “Rani” Devaraj challenges current Councilman Virbhadra "Viru" Patel. We interviewed both.

Your name, age and office you are running for:

Gnanarani “Rani” Devaraj, 58, candidate for 4th Ward Council, Woodbridge Township

What is your occupation?

Vice president, EPMO & Change Management at a community-focused bank.

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

This is my first time running for public office — my first rodeo!

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

• 1st generation South Asian immigrant; came to US on H1-B visa in mid-90s.
• Holds an MS in Physics and a PG Diploma in Computer Applications.
• Research scholar in Cryogenics at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).
• Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Six Sigma Champion.
• Active member of St. Cecelia Church and committed community advocate.
• Former vice president, PTO – Indiana Avenue School #18.
• Proven leader in transforming business operations at major financial institutions.
• Specialist in corporate mergers & acquisitions (M&A).
• Passionate learner with interest in emerging tech like AI and blockchain.

Why should voters vote for you?

Residents are frustrated with overdevelopment in Iselin and Menlo Park Terrace. The ongoing luxury apartment construction at Metropark has worsened traffic and quality of life. The current councilman acts more as the mayor’s representative than the people who elected him. He is part of mayor’s team — not part of the people's team.

I bring 30 years of professional experience managing people, projects and budgets. I am NOT a career politician or a businessperson with special interests — I’m a community-minded professional who wants to represent residents, not developers.

I will work to:

• Restore balance to the Town Council and end the one-party rule.
• Question and review every proposal to ensure accountability.
• Be a visible, responsive representative for Iselin and Menlo Park Terrace.
• Cut wasteful spending and find ways to reduce taxes for hardworking families.
• Partner with banks & tech companies for youth internship programs.

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

Councilman Virbhadra Patel has missed 10 out of the 19 Woodbridge Council meetings this year — leaving his residents without any representation and failing to perform his basic duties such as reviewing budgets and contracts. (Woodbridge Council attendance records confirm her statement is correct.)

The Council unanimously approved a 30-year tax abatement (PILOT) for a luxury apartment developer at Metropark station — worsening traffic, increasing tax burdens on homeowners and eroding quality of life.

What's your favorite part about living in Woodbridge?

I’ve raised my family here in Iselin and lived most of my life in this wonderful community. Iselin’s vibrant South Asian neighborhood — our very own “Little India” — is full of life, culture and celebration.

On weekends, I love strolling along Oak Tree Road — enjoying the food, the people and the energy. Here in Iselin, we truly get the best of both worlds!

I feel truly blessed to call this neighborhood my home!

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

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