Woodbridge Republicans Concede Election; Most Mail-In Votes Have Been Counted

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — Most mail-in ballots have been counted, and the six Republicans who ran for Woodbridge Council seats this year did not receive enough votes.

Ken Gardner, who ran for the First Ward seat, Kristi Hanson, who ran for the Council-at-large seat, Rani Devaraj, who ran for the Fourth Ward seat (Iselin) and Sam Raval, who ran for the Colonia seat, all released statements Wednesday conceding the election.

"I am sad. I did think I had a good shot (of winning this year)," Gardner said Wednesday morning. "I knocked on 2,500 doors, and I'm grateful I received 2,641 votes. I am very appreciative of the people who voted for me."

Provided by Woodbridge town clerk John Mitch, here are the vote counts from Tuesday night, including mail-in votes. (The county can receive mail-in votes up to six days after election day.) These results are still considered unofficial and have not yet been certified by the county clerk:

Woodbridge Township Council At-Large

• Daniel Harris 19,399 Total votes 10,192 votes on election day 6,080 mail-in ballots 3,127 in early voting
• Kristi Hanson 10,544 Total votes 6,425 votes on election day 1,971 mail-in ballots 2,148 in early voting

Woodbridge Township Council Ward 1

• Sharon McAuliffe 3,962 total votes 1,884 votes on election day 1,236 mail-in ballots 842 in early voting
• Ken Gardner 2,641 total votes 1,420 votes on election day 475 mail-in ballots 746 in early voting

Woodbridge Township Council Ward 2

• Harold Bauer, Jr. 3,705 total votes 2,113 votes on election day 1,098 mail-in ballots 494 in early voting
• Paul Lund 1,768 total votes 1,092 votes on election day 360 mail-in ballots 316 in early voting

Woodbridge Township Council Ward 3

• Cory Spillar 3,628 total votes 1,924 votes on election day 1,030 mail-in ballots 674 in early voting
• Bruce Banko 1,536 total votes 906 votes on election day 296 mail-in ballots 334 in early voting

Woodbridge Township Council Ward 4

• Virbhadra Patel 3,672 total votes 1,967 votes on election day 1,287 mail-in ballots 418 in early voting
• Gnanarani "Rani" Devaraj, 1,672 total votes 1,070 votes on election day 354 mail-in ballots 248 in early voting

Woodbridge Township Council Ward 5

• Debbie Meehan, 4,899 total votes 2,674 votes on election day 1,488 mail-in ballots 737 in early voting
• Sam Raval, 2,687 total votes 1,744 votes on election day 444 mail-in ballots 499 in early voting

"The numbers are not close anywhere," said Gardner, referring to the fact that no Republican challenger for Woodbridge Council received enough votes, either at the ballot box or by mail-in votes.

"We got hit by a Democrat wave, which was not unique to Woodbridge; it happened all over the state of New Jersey," said Gardner. "Turnout was extremely high and I was not anticipating that."

New Jersey saw a high voter turnout in the 2025 governor's race: 1.7 million New Jersey residents voted for Mikie Sherrill, and 1.3 million voted for Jack Ciattarelli. In 2021, when Ciattarelli lost more narrowly to Phil Murphy, he received 1.2 million votes and Murphy got 1.3 million.

"In the last two Ward 1 Council races, a total of under 5,000 people voted each time," said Gardner. "So my plan was to get more than 2,500 votes, and I did."

This year, more than 6,600 people voted in Ward 1, where Gardner and McAuliffe both live.

Hanson said she will continue to advocate for more transparency from Woodbridge town government.

"While the results were not what we had hoped for, I am incredibly proud of the campaign we ran and the hard work, dedication, and heart that went into it," she said Wednesday. "We stood up against the long-standing Democratic machine and fought to bring change — real change — for the good of the people. Though nothing changes today, our voices were heard, and our message resonated with many who are ready for something better ... We may not have won this time, but we will not give up. The fight for transparency, accountability, and progress continues. I extend my best wishes to the winners and hope they will lead with integrity and always remember who they serve. This is not the end — it’s only the beginning of the work ahead."

And Devaraj said:

"Although I didn’t win the election this time, I won many hearts along the way ... This summer, my family gave up our vacation so I could focus on door-knocking every street in Menlo Park Terrace and Iselin. It was incredibly humbling to meet so many wonderful people, listen to their concerns, and educate them about PILOT and the 30-year tax breaks that continue to raise our property taxes. I am honored that 31% of voters — about one in three — placed their trust in me. Thank you!"

"This campaign aimed to strengthen democracy and break the one-party rule in Woodbridge Township," continued Devaraj. "We wanted every voice to be heard and every leader to be accountable to the people they serve. I congratulate the winners and wish them success in serving our community. I will continue working with others who are committed to a fairer and more open government. To all the volunteers, supporters and everyone who believed in our vision for change: thank you. Our journey will continue. This is just the beginning!"

And Raval said:

"I am not surprised by this result but I can tell you I got the second highest vote, 35.41 percent, after Ken Gardner who got 39 percent of the vote. We will work hard next time. Thank you all for your support. We didn’t win, but I’m grateful for everyone who stood by me. Congratulations to the winners."

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