Politics & Government
Republicans Sweep District 16 Election
Incumbent Sen. Christopher "Kip" Bateman wins over Democratic challenger Maureen Vella, South Brunswick Councilman Joseph Camarota falls short in Assembly bid.
Despite the from earlier this year that was expected to put the 16th District in play for Democrats, the historically Republican-leaning district was held by the GOP incumbents in Tuesday's election.
Unofficial vote tallies show incumbent Republican Sen. (R-Somerville) winning over Democratic challenger (D-Hillsborough) by a total of 20,594 votes to 16,776 votes.
Vella captured Middlesex County with 2,895 votes to Bateman's 2,208 votes.
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Incumbent Republican Assemblyman Peter Biondi (R-Hillsborough) was elected to another term, along with running mate (R-Hillsborough), who defeated Democratic South Brunswick Township Councilman (D-Kendall Park) and running mate (D-Flemington).
Biondi finished with 19,939 votes, Ciatarelli with 19,390 votes, Camarota with 17,120 votes and Corfield with 17,099 votes.
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In Middlesex County, the Democratic Assembly candidates received the highest vote totals, with Camarota finishing with 4,207 votes, Corfield with 4,261 votes, Biondi with 1,787 votes and Ciatarelli with 1,705 votes.
Denise Coyle (R-Somerset) held the other Assembly seat in the 16th District, but her hometown of Bernards was moved into the 21st District as part of April's redistricting decision.
Full story to follow.
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