November 19, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Democrats Win the Majority on the Bernards Township Committee

We are pleased to share that as of today’s election certification, Brett Hodges and John Tompkins were elected to the Bernards Township Committee, commencing January 6, 2026.

This election also marks the first time in recent history that every Democratic candidate running on the ticket won in Bernards Township.

Brett Hodges won 51.20% of the vote with a total of 5803 against incumbent David Tancredi who won 48.72%, with 5522 votes. John Tompkins received 51.99% of the vote with a total of 5890 against A.W. Bill McMahon who won 47.94% with a total of 5432 votes.

Both John and Brett are first time candidates, and through their combined relentless efforts, have flipped the majority for the first time in almost 90 years. The last time Democrats held a majority on the Township Committee was in 1938. This achievement underscores how effectively their commitment to community, reflected in their candidacy, resonated with voters. We are thrilled they will join Committeewoman Ana Duarte McCarthy on the dais.

As we look back over the past six months since our May launch, we are filled with gratitude to all residents who said yes to supporting Brett and John. Whether it was hosting fundraisers, phone banking, knocking on doors, putting signs on lawns, or donating funds, enthusiastic volunteerism won the day and made an extraordinary impact.

While there are many to thank, we wish to acknowledge our all-volunteer campaign team, led by Sara Nichols whose commitment, leadership, innovative strategies, and relentless pursuit of victory kept everyone enthusiastic and energized. Thanks to our Field Director Kristin Blomquist who coordinated with the NJ Democrats and our local Assembly and County candidates to organize our ground game and voter outreach. Events Manager Jen Aaron organized our fundraisers, meet and greets and coordinated community outreach. Our treasurer Sima Guven took on the important responsibility of timely and accurate campaign financial reporting.

Brett Hodges:

“I’m truly honored and humbled to have earned your trust to serve on the Township Committee. This victory belongs to all of us who believe in keeping Bernards Township a strong, vibrant, and welcoming community.

To everyone who voted, volunteered, knocked on doors, or simply shared a kind word of encouragement – thank you. Your support and belief in our shared vision made this possible.

To the campaign team, Sara Nichols, Kristin Blomquist, Jennifer Aaron and SIma Guven, I literally could not have done this without their support. And many thanks to Jane Conklin, Bernards Township Democratic Committee Chair.

To my family whose love and support gives me the energy and confidence to keep moving every day, I am incredibly grateful.

I’m ready to listen, collaborate, and work hard for you – to preserve what we love about our town while planning thoughtfully for its future. Let’s keep the conversation going and continue building the best version of Bernards Township together.”

John Tompkins:

“I’d like to thank everyone who made my election to the Bernards Township Committee possible. To my family who encouraged me and voluntarily agreed to this craziness, THANK YOU! To all the many volunteers from across the town who worked incredibly hard knocking on doors, mailing literature, making phone calls, and encouraging me along the way, THANK YOU!

To the three women who got it done: To Sara Nichols, our campaign manager, THANK YOU! To Kristen Blomquist, who kept the canvassing trains running on schedule, THANK YOU! To Jen Aaron who managed all our events, THANK YOU!!!! You three were the magic sauce!! To my running mate Brett Hodges, you gave me a wonderful perspective that was different from mine and when I was flagging, you kept it going, THANK YOU!!!

To my opponent, Bill McMahon, thank you for a good, clean campaign. Local politics is not the arena for bare knuckle, no holds barred campaigns, and I appreciate your civility and decency.

Finally, to the residents of Bernards Township, THANK YOU!! I will work with anyone and everyone, regardless of politics, whether or not they voted for me, to ensure Bernards Township remains a jewel of New Jersey.”