Newtown Borough Elects First Woman Mayor, Fills 3 Council Seats

NEWTOWN BOROUGH, PA — Voters in Newtown Borough made history on Tuesday, electing the first woman mayor in the town’s 341-year history.

Former borough councilor Tara Grunde-McLaughlin won Tuesday’s contested mayoral race by defeating another former councilor, Nicole Rodowicz, by 15 votes.

Grunde-McLaughlin ran on the Democratic ticket while Rodowicz ran as an independent on the Republican ticket.

"It has been a very moving and meaningful day,” said 26-year borough resident Grunde-McLaughlin of her first day as mayor-elect. “I am looking forward to putting my energy and efforts toward serving the Borough community."

She continued, "I am very grateful not only for my family and everyone who supported me in the campaign, but for all of my borough neighbors who came out this Election Day to participate in our democracy, regardless of party.”

Grunde-McLaughlin served for a decade on the council, including stints as vice president and president. While on council, she also served as liaison to the Recreation Board, Zoning Hearing Board, Shade Tree Commission, Environmental Advisory Council, Traffic Committee, Planning Commission, Budget and Finance Committee, Police Committee, and Fire Services Committee.

Before joining the Council, she spent six years on the Recreation Board, helping to organize such beloved community events as Arbor Day, the Halloween Parade and Movies and Music in the Park.

The mayor-elect will step into her new role in January when she officially takes the oath and is sworn into office. She will succeed Mayor John Burke, who decided not to run for another term.

“It is true that Newtown has never before in its 341 years elected a woman as mayor - a rather notable occasion,” she said. “Now that we have done so, I look forward to future elections when it is expected as part of the normal course of events.”

Race for Borough Council

Voters in Newtown Borough also filled three open council seats on Tuesday. In the town’s first ward voters re-elected Democrats Emily Heinz and Kris Bauman to another four years on council. They were challenged by Republican Courtney Lang who was unsuccessful in her bid to unseat one of the incumbents.

In the second ward, voters gave incumbent Democrat Gina Tognini a four year term on council. She was challenged by Republican Bernie Sauer.

Councilors Kris Bauman and Emily Heinz won re-election in Newtown Borough's first ward.

Newtown Borough Councilor Gina Tognini won re-election in ward two.