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Jackson, NJ — A political shakeup appears to be underway in Jackson Township, where mayoral candidate Elliott Shem-Tov and Township Council candidates Chris Pollak and Amanda Trombetta are projected to win Tuesday’s municipal elections, potentially handing control of the township’s leadership to a slate that campaigned aggressively against development and challenged the current administration’s handling of growth.

The apparent victories would represent a significant setback for the township’s existing political leadership and raise concerns among members of Jackson’s growing frum community about the direction of local development, zoning, and religious accommodation policies.

The three candidates ran together under the “Fight for Jackson” banner, with Shem-Tov challenging incumbent Mayor Jennifer Kuhn and Pollak and Trombetta seeking the two available Township Council seats. Their campaign placed opposition to what they described as overdevelopment at the center of its platform, along with criticism of municipal spending, infrastructure problems, and township management.

The election was particularly contentious because it divided Jackson’s Republican establishment. Kuhn, who has served as mayor since October 2025, ran alongside council candidates Brian McCarron and John “Pojo” Pejoski, with the endorsement of the Jackson Republican organization. Their ticket also received support from Congressman Chris Smith and Assemblyman Alex Sauickie.

Shem-Tov, Pollak, and Trombetta challenged that establishment-backed slate, arguing that Jackson needed a fundamental change in leadership and a more aggressive approach to controlling development.

A third slate, headed by Democrat Brandon Rose with council candidates Paul Sarti and Casey Jackson, also competed in the officially nonpartisan election.

The contest unfolded amid longstanding tensions over Jackson’s changing demographics and the expansion of Orthodox Jewish families into the township from neighboring Lakewood. Questions involving residential construction, land use, infrastructure, and the ability of religious communities to establish institutions have repeatedly generated political disputes in Jackson.

Although all three competing tickets expressed opposition to excessive development, the Shem-Tov team’s particularly aggressive campaign against the existing administration raised questions about how its approach to zoning and construction could affect the township’s frum population.

The results, if confirmed, would also be significant for the composition of the Township Council. Pollak, who won a special election in 2025, was seeking a full four-year term, while Trombetta was attempting to win a council seat after narrowly losing a previous election. Their victories would give the Fight for Jackson slate representation in both the mayor’s office and the council.

Pollak has previously drawn attention for his public criticism of the traditional kapparos practice involving chickens. In September, he challenged other candidates to state their positions on the custom, although he emphasized that he was expressing a personal opinion and was not proposing legislation restricting religious observance.

The issue added another dimension to an election already marked by concerns over the relationship between Jackson’s municipal government and its Orthodox Jewish residents.

Shem-Tov, meanwhile, has promised a broad review of township finances, contracts, and administrative appointments. His campaign has called for stricter oversight of construction projects, stronger zoning enforcement, preservation of open space, and changes to the township’s leadership.

The Fight for Jackson platform specifically opposes increased housing density and calls for more extensive environmental reviews of major development proposals. The candidates have also pledged to strengthen enforcement against overcrowded rentals and revise residential occupancy standards.

Those proposals will likely receive close scrutiny from Jackson’s frum residents, many of whom have moved to the township in recent years as neighboring Lakewood has continued to experience substantial population growth.

Jackson has previously been involved in major legal disputes over restrictions affecting Orthodox Jewish residents and institutions. Those controversies have made questions of equal treatment, zoning, and religious freedom particularly sensitive in the township.

The apparent election outcome comes after a turbulent period in Jackson municipal government. Former Mayor Michael Reina resigned in October 2025 after nearly 17 years in office, leading to Kuhn’s appointment as his successor. The township has also experienced changes in police leadership and administrative personnel, along with disputes over government spending and legal settlements.

Shem-Tov and his running mates argued throughout the campaign that those controversies demonstrated the need for new leadership, while Kuhn and her allies defended their record and warned against abandoning their approach to municipal government.

The projected results would give the incoming administration a four-year term beginning January 1, 2027.

For Jackson’s Orthodox community, the central question will be how the new leadership approaches development applications, religious institutions, zoning enforcement, and the broader accommodation of a rapidly growing population.

Although the Fight for Jackson candidates have publicly framed their campaign around development and municipal accountability, rather than opposition to any particular religious community, their proposed restrictions on growth have generated concern about the potential consequences for frum families.

The election results remain unofficial pending the completion of vote counting and certification by Ocean County election officials.

{Matzav.com}

Former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander has won election to Congress, defeating Republican Jennifer Moore in New York’s heavily Democratic 10th Congressional District and completing a political comeback that began with his stunning primary victory over incumbent Democratic Rep. Dan Goldman earlier this year.

Lander’s victory on Tuesday represents another significant political success for New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, whose endorsement helped propel the progressive Democrat past Goldman in June. The result sends another close Mamdani ally to Washington and strengthens the influence of the Democratic Party’s left wing within New York’s congressional delegation.

The Associated Press called the race for Lander on Tuesday evening. The district encompasses Lower Manhattan and portions of Brooklyn, including Park Slope and surrounding neighborhoods, where Democratic candidates have historically enjoyed overwhelming advantages.

Lander, who is Jewish and previously served as New York City’s comptroller, attracted considerable attention during the Democratic primary for his criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and his political alliance with Mamdani, a democratic socialist who has been a vocal critic of Israel.

His victory follows one of the most consequential Democratic congressional primaries in New York this year. In June, Lander defeated Goldman, a two-term congressman who had been regarded as a strong supporter of Israel, by a substantial margin.

Goldman, an attorney who previously served as lead counsel during President Donald Trump’s first impeachment proceedings, entered the primary with considerable financial resources and the advantages of incumbency. Nevertheless, Lander successfully mobilized progressive voters who argued that the district needed a representative more closely aligned with their positions on economic policy, immigration, and Israel.

Mamdani campaigned extensively for Lander, appearing alongside him at rallies and encouraging supporters to turn out in the Democratic primary. The mayor’s involvement helped transform the contest into a broader test of his political influence beyond City Hall.

Lander also received the endorsement of Sen. Bernie Sanders, further strengthening his standing among progressive voters.

The campaign highlighted deepening divisions within the Democratic Party over Israel, particularly following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and the subsequent war in Gaza.

Goldman defended Israel’s right to protect itself against Hamas while criticizing certain decisions by the Israeli government. Lander took a substantially more critical position, arguing that American policy toward Israel required fundamental changes and calling for greater restrictions on U.S. support for Israeli military operations.

Those differences became a prominent issue in a district with a significant Jewish population, including established Orthodox communities in Brooklyn.

Lander’s positions on Israel have drawn criticism from Jewish voters and organizations concerned about the growing influence of anti-Israel activism within progressive Democratic politics.

At the same time, Lander has emphasized his Jewish identity and argued that criticism of Israeli government policies should not be equated with antisemitism.

His alliance with Mamdani has also attracted scrutiny because of the mayor’s positions on Israel and his association with the Democratic Socialists of America.

Before entering the congressional race, Lander served as New York City comptroller from 2022 through 2025, overseeing the city’s finances, auditing government agencies, and managing responsibilities related to municipal pension investments.

He previously represented portions of Brooklyn in the New York City Council, where he established himself as a leading progressive voice on housing, labor, and economic policy.

Lander also ran for mayor in 2025 but was defeated in the Democratic primary by Mamdani. Rather than becoming political rivals, the two subsequently developed a close alliance, with Lander supporting Mamdani’s successful mayoral campaign.

That relationship proved politically valuable when Lander decided to challenge Goldman for Congress.

In the general election, Lander faced Moore, the Republican nominee, who campaigned against the progressive policies associated with Mamdani and the Democratic Party’s left wing.

However, the district’s overwhelming Democratic registration advantage made Lander the clear favorite following his primary victory.

His election is part of a broader series of victories for candidates backed by Mamdani. In other New York City congressional contests, progressive candidates Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier also secured victories Tuesday after winning Democratic primaries with the mayor’s support.

The results are expected to strengthen the influence of progressive lawmakers in the House of Representatives and could create additional challenges for Democratic congressional leaders seeking to maintain unity on contentious issues involving Israel, immigration, taxation, and federal spending.

For Jewish voters, Lander’s arrival in Congress will be watched particularly closely because of the district’s substantial Jewish population and the ongoing debate within the Democratic Party over American support for Israel.

Lander will take office in January 2027, replacing Goldman and beginning his first term in Congress as one of New York City’s most prominent progressive representatives.

Republican Sen. Ashley Moody has won Florida’s U.S. Senate election, defeating Democrat Alexander Vindman and securing the seat previously held by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, delivering another important victory for Republicans as they battle to maintain control of the Senate.

Moody, Florida’s former attorney general, was appointed to the Senate in January 2025 by Gov. Ron DeSantis after Rubio resigned to become secretary of state in President Donald Trump’s administration. Tuesday’s victory gives Moody her first electoral mandate as a U.S. senator and allows her to complete the remainder of Rubio’s term, which runs through January 2029.

The election was closely watched because of its implications for the balance of power in Washington, although Florida’s increasingly Republican political landscape made Moody the favorite heading into Election Day.

Moody, 51, entered the contest with considerable statewide name recognition, having served as Florida’s attorney general from 2019 until her appointment to the Senate. She previously worked as a federal prosecutor and served as a circuit court judge in Hillsborough County.

During her tenure as attorney general, Moody became one of Florida’s most prominent Republican officials, frequently joining legal challenges against policies pursued by the Biden administration and supporting DeSantis’ conservative agenda.

She also emerged as an outspoken supporter of Trump, particularly on immigration enforcement, border security, and federal law enforcement policy.

Throughout the Senate campaign, Moody emphasized her support for the president’s economic and immigration policies, arguing that Republican leadership was essential to protecting Florida families and maintaining the state’s economic growth.

Her Democratic opponent, Alexander Vindman, gained national attention in 2019 when he testified during Trump’s first impeachment proceedings. A retired Army lieutenant colonel and former National Security Council official, Vindman became a prominent critic of Trump and later entered politics as a Democratic candidate.

Vindman sought to portray Moody as closely aligned with the president, arguing that Florida needed a senator willing to exercise independent judgment rather than support the administration’s policies without question.

The candidates differed sharply on immigration, federal spending, healthcare, and the administration’s approach to international affairs.

Moody defended Trump’s immigration enforcement measures and emphasized the importance of securing the southern border, while Vindman criticized what he characterized as excessive executive power and threats to democratic institutions.

Economic concerns also played a significant role in the race, with both candidates addressing the rising costs of housing, property insurance, groceries, and other necessities.

Moody argued that Republican tax policies and efforts to reduce federal regulation would help strengthen the economy, while Vindman contended that the administration’s economic decisions were contributing to financial pressure on working families.

The contest unfolded as Florida continued its transformation from a closely divided political battleground into a state increasingly dominated by Republicans.

Trump carried Florida in the 2016, 2020, and 2024 presidential elections, while DeSantis won reelection as governor in 2022 by nearly 20 percentage points.

Republicans have also expanded their advantage in voter registration, reversing the Democratic Party’s longstanding registration lead in the state.

Those political changes created a difficult environment for Vindman, despite his national profile and efforts to attract moderate and independent voters.

Moody benefited from the Republican Party’s strong statewide organization and the advantages of incumbency, including her established relationships with Florida political leaders and conservative activists.

Her victory comes as Republicans seek to defend their Senate majority against Democratic challenges in several competitive states.

Republicans entered Tuesday’s elections holding 53 Senate seats, compared with 47 held by Democrats and independents who caucus with them.

Although Moody’s victory does not represent a Republican pickup, it prevents Democrats from making gains in Florida and preserves a seat considered important to the party’s broader Senate strategy.

The outcome also reinforces Trump’s political influence in Florida, where several Republican candidates closely associated with the president secured victories Tuesday.

Moody’s election follows the victory of Republican Byron Donalds in the state’s gubernatorial contest, ensuring continued Republican leadership in Tallahassee while maintaining the party’s hold on the Senate seat formerly occupied by Rubio.

For Florida’s growing Orthodox Jewish communities, Moody has been a familiar political figure through her years as attorney general, particularly regarding public safety, religious liberty, and efforts to combat antisemitism.

During her time as attorney general, Moody supported initiatives addressing antisemitic harassment and threats against Jewish institutions, issues that have received increased attention since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks against Israel.

Her election means Florida will continue to be represented in the Senate by two Republicans, Moody and Sen. Rick Scott.

Moody will serve the remainder of Rubio’s original Senate term and would face another election in 2028 if she seeks a full six-year term.

Tuesday’s result gives Republicans another confirmed Senate victory as the party awaits the outcome of competitive contests elsewhere that will determine the composition of the next Congress.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, a Jewish Democrat who has emerged as one of the country’s most prominent state-level opponents of President Donald Trump’s administration, has been elected governor of Colorado, defeating Republican Victor Marx and extending Democratic control of the governor’s office for another four years.

The Associated Press declared Weiser the winner Tuesday evening, shortly after polls closed in Colorado, as early returns showed him holding a commanding advantage over his Republican opponent.

Weiser, 58, will succeed Democratic Gov. Jared Polis, who is leaving office after serving the maximum two consecutive four-year terms. His victory means Colorado will have been governed by Democrats for at least 20 consecutive years, continuing a political shift that has transformed the state from a competitive battleground into a Democratic stronghold.

The election is particularly noteworthy because Weiser, who has served as Colorado’s attorney general since 2019, has been outspoken about his Jewish identity and has frequently discussed the influence of his family’s history on his understanding of public service, religious freedom, and the importance of protecting democratic institutions.

Weiser is the grandson of Holocaust survivors, and his family’s experiences have played a significant role in shaping his political outlook. Throughout his career, he has spoken about the responsibility of government officials to protect civil rights and defend vulnerable communities.

His election follows eight years under Polis, who is also Jewish, meaning Colorado will continue to have a Jewish governor when Weiser takes office in January.

Weiser entered the gubernatorial race with considerable statewide name recognition after winning two elections as attorney general. During his tenure, he became known for pursuing consumer protection cases, challenging corporate practices, and filing numerous lawsuits against the federal government.

He has been particularly aggressive in challenging Trump administration policies, participating in nearly 100 legal actions involving federal funding, immigration, environmental regulations, and other issues.

Those legal battles became a central feature of his gubernatorial campaign, with Weiser portraying himself as a defender of Colorado’s interests against what he described as federal overreach.

At the same time, he emphasized economic concerns, promising to address the state’s high cost of living, housing shortages, and financial pressures facing working families.

Among his campaign proposals was a plan to facilitate the construction of 40,000 additional affordable homes, an initiative he argued would help teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other workers remain in the communities where they are employed.

Weiser also advocated changes to Colorado’s labor laws and pledged to continue efforts to protect consumers from unfair business practices.

His Republican opponent, Victor Marx, entered the race as a political newcomer with a background in the U.S. Marine Corps and religious outreach work. Marx founded All Things Possible Ministries, a Colorado Springs-based organization involved in humanitarian activities.

Marx campaigned as a conservative outsider who would challenge the Democratic establishment in Denver, arguing that years of one-party control had contributed to rising costs, government inefficiency, and declining accountability.

However, his campaign struggled to gain traction against Weiser, who entered the general election with a substantial financial advantage and broader statewide political experience.

Marx also faced controversy over claims he had made about his personal history and humanitarian activities, drawing scrutiny from Colorado news organizations.

The Republican nominee raised approximately $4.4 million during the campaign but did not run television advertising, while Weiser raised roughly $9.3 million and maintained a more extensive campaign operation.

The contest was widely viewed as favoring Democrats, particularly after Weiser defeated U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet in the Democratic primary in June.

That primary victory was itself a significant political development, demonstrating Weiser’s ability to defeat a nationally prominent Democratic incumbent in a statewide contest.

Before becoming attorney general, Weiser served as dean of the University of Colorado Law School and held positions in the administration of President Barack Obama. Earlier in his legal career, he clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

His election also comes at a time when Colorado’s Jewish community has been confronting concerns about antisemitism, campus demonstrations, and the broader political climate surrounding Israel.

Weiser has previously addressed antisemitism and religious discrimination in his capacity as attorney general, and his Jewish background is expected to remain an important part of his public identity as governor.

Colorado’s Jewish population is concentrated primarily in the Denver metropolitan area, with established Orthodox communities, shuls, yeshivos, and other Jewish institutions serving families throughout the region.

The election result ensures that Democrats will retain control of the governor’s office, which they have held since Bill Ritter took office in January 2007. Republicans last occupied the position under Gov. Bill Owens, who left office that year.

Weiser will assume office with Democrats also controlling both chambers of the Colorado legislature, potentially providing him with significant opportunities to advance his legislative priorities.

However, his administration will face considerable challenges, including a state budget under financial pressure, persistent housing affordability concerns, and disputes over the appropriate role of state government in economic and social policy.

For Republicans, the defeat highlights the party’s continuing difficulties in Colorado, where Democrats have consolidated their position in statewide elections over the past two decades.

For Weiser, Tuesday’s victory represents the culmination of a political career that has taken him from legal academia and federal government service to statewide office and now the governorship.

He will be sworn in as Colorado’s next governor in January 2027, succeeding Polis and becoming the latest Jewish elected official to lead the state.

Republican Congressman Byron Donalds has won Florida’s gubernatorial election, defeating former Congressman David Jolly and securing another four years of Republican control in one of the nation’s most politically influential states. The victory makes Donalds the first Black governor in Florida history and delivers an important political win for President Donald Trump, who strongly backed his candidacy.

ABC News projected Donalds the winner Tuesday evening, bringing an end to a closely watched contest to succeed Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who was barred by term limits from seeking another consecutive term.

Donalds, 48, a three-term congressman from southwest Florida and one of Trump’s most prominent supporters in Washington, will take office in January 2027. His election continues Republican control of the Florida governor’s mansion, which the party has held since 1999.

The race pitted two former Republican allies against each other on opposite sides of the political divide. Donalds emerged as a leading conservative voice in Congress and a staunch defender of Trump, while Jolly, 54, a former Republican congressman from the Tampa Bay area, abandoned the GOP after becoming increasingly critical of the president and eventually joined the Democratic Party in 2025.

Trump endorsed Donalds early in the campaign, helping him establish himself as the Republican frontrunner despite competition from several other candidates, including Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins. Donalds secured the Republican nomination in August and entered the general election with a substantial fundraising advantage.

Throughout the campaign, Donalds promised to continue many of the conservative policies advanced by DeSantis while introducing his own priorities, particularly reducing property insurance costs, expanding school choice, cutting taxes, and making Florida more affordable for working families.

Florida’s soaring property insurance premiums emerged as one of the central issues in the race. Homeowners across the state have faced steep increases in insurance expenses, adding to concerns about housing affordability and the rising cost of living.

Donalds pledged to build upon insurance reforms introduced during the DeSantis administration, arguing that encouraging greater competition among private insurers would eventually reduce premiums.

Jolly challenged that approach, contending that the existing system had failed to provide meaningful relief. He proposed expanding the state’s catastrophe insurance fund and taking additional steps to protect homeowners from rising costs.

The candidates also clashed over immigration, education, environmental policy, and the growing construction of large data centers to support artificial intelligence technology.

Jolly sought to portray Donalds as too closely aligned with corporate interests, particularly companies involved in the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence industry. Donalds maintained that decisions about data center construction should largely remain with local governments while supporting measures to prevent utilities from passing certain costs on to residential customers.

The election also became a test of Trump’s political influence in his adopted home state. Florida, once considered one of America’s most competitive presidential battlegrounds, has shifted sharply toward Republicans over the past decade.

Trump carried Florida in the 2016, 2020, and 2024 presidential elections, while DeSantis won reelection in 2022 by nearly 20 percentage points, defeating Democrat Charlie Crist by approximately 1.5 million votes.

Despite those Republican successes, Democrats hoped Jolly’s background as a former Republican congressman would allow him to appeal to moderate voters and independents who had become dissatisfied with Trump.

Jolly emphasized his departure from the Republican Party and argued that Florida needed a governor willing to challenge both political parties. His campaign sought to attract voters concerned about affordability, government accountability, and the direction of state politics.

Donalds countered that Florida’s economic growth and population expansion demonstrated the success of Republican leadership. He argued that Democratic policies would reverse the state’s progress and increase the financial burden on residents.

The contest attracted national attention because of Donalds’ close relationship with Trump and his growing prominence within the Republican Party.

Donalds was among the lawmakers frequently mentioned as a potential running mate for Trump during the 2024 presidential campaign. Although Trump ultimately selected JD Vance, Donalds remained an outspoken advocate for the president and a familiar presence at Republican political events.

Before entering Congress in 2021, Donalds served in the Florida House of Representatives. He built his political career around conservative positions on taxation, government spending, education, and economic policy.

His victory is also historically significant. Donalds will become Florida’s first Black governor and one of the few Black Americans ever elected to lead a state. He will also become the first Black Republican elected governor in American history.

Donalds will inherit a state government in which Republicans hold commanding majorities in both legislative chambers, potentially giving him considerable room to advance his agenda.

However, his administration will face significant challenges, including housing affordability, insurance costs, infrastructure demands, and the pressures associated with Florida’s rapid population growth.

The outcome is particularly noteworthy for Florida’s growing Orthodox Jewish communities, including those in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and other counties, where issues involving school choice, religious education, public safety, and support for Israel remain important political concerns.

Donalds has been an outspoken supporter of Israel during his congressional career and has repeatedly criticized antisemitism and anti-Israel activism.

For Trump, the victory provides a prominent Republican success during a midterm election in which control of Congress remains fiercely contested. The president’s endorsement helped Donalds secure the nomination, and the Republican’s general election victory further strengthens Trump’s influence over Florida politics.

For Democrats, the defeat illustrates the continuing difficulty of rebuilding their political standing in a state that was once considered essential to national Democratic electoral strategies.

Donalds will be sworn in as Florida’s next governor in January, succeeding DeSantis and beginning a new chapter in the state’s Republican leadership.

Israel’s Police Internal Investigations Department (Machash) began taking testimony Tuesday from chareidi protesters who allege they were assaulted by police officers during last Thursday’s demonstration near the Geha Interchange in Bnei Brak, where 24 people were reportedly injured amid violent confrontations between police and demonstrators.

The investigation follows formal complaints filed by participants in the protest, which was organized in opposition to the arrest of yeshiva bochurim over military enlistment. Demonstrators have accused police of using excessive force during the confrontation, including the deployment of stun grenades against protesters.

Several of those injured have organized a coordinated effort to pursue complaints against the officers involved. They have received legal guidance and assistance from the Fund for the Struggle Against the Draft Decree, an organization involved in demonstrations against the detention of yeshiva bochurim.

According to protest organizers, investigators responded quickly after the first complaint was submitted, contacting the complainants within 24 hours and arranging appointments to obtain their testimony.

The initial interviews began Tuesday morning at Machash offices in Tel Aviv, where protesters were questioned about the conduct of police officers during the demonstration and the circumstances surrounding their reported injuries.

The investigation comes amid a deepening confrontation between National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Israel Police Commissioner Danny Levy over the handling of demonstrations by chareidi protesters.

On Monday, Ben Gvir petitioned the High Court of Justice, seeking to overturn an interim order restricting his involvement in police decisions concerning demonstrations. In his petition, the minister made the extraordinary allegation that Levy had instructed police commanders to employ deliberately harsh tactics against chareidi protesters and had allegedly declared that he wanted to see blood.

Ben Gvir accused the commissioner of directing officers to make extensive use of batons and stun grenades, even before demonstrations began. He also alleged that police were applying harsher enforcement measures against chareidi protesters than against demonstrators from other sectors of Israeli society.

The allegations have not been established in court. Levy categorically rejected them, describing the accusations as baseless and disgraceful and insisting that police officers operate professionally and in accordance with the law.

Police have maintained that the Geha Interchange demonstration was unlawful and that officers attempted to communicate with protesters before dispersing the gathering. Authorities reported that three police officers were injured during the disturbances and that three suspects were arrested.

The Fund for the Struggle Against the Draft Decree said it intends to pursue accountability for officers accused of assaulting demonstrators and expressed hope that the prompt response from investigators would lead to meaningful action.

“We will take every measure to ensure that the officers who acted violently are brought to justice, and we hope that the swift response will continue until those responsible are held accountable,” the organization said in a statement.

The investigation remains in its initial stages, with testimony being collected from protesters who say they were injured during the confrontation.

{Matzav.com}

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has won reelection, defeating Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman in Tuesday’s gubernatorial election and extending Democratic control of the governor’s office in a state that Republicans had hoped to make competitive amid growing voter frustration over taxes, affordability, crime, and immigration.

CBS News projected Hochul the winner at 9:03 p.m., just minutes after polls closed across New York. The Associated Press also declared Hochul victorious, securing another four-year term for the 68-year-old Democrat.

The outcome represents a significant setback for Blakeman, 71, who sought to become New York’s first Republican governor since George Pataki left office at the end of 2006. Despite an aggressive campaign focused on the state’s high cost of living and dissatisfaction with Democratic leadership, Blakeman was unable to overcome Hochul’s advantage in a state where registered Democrats substantially outnumber Republicans.

Hochul, who became governor in August 2021 following the resignation of Andrew Cuomo, won her first full term in 2022. Her latest victory gives her a second full term and extends the Democratic Party’s nearly two-decade hold on New York’s executive branch.

The race attracted considerable attention in New York’s Orthodox Jewish communities, particularly in Brooklyn, the Five Towns, and other heavily Jewish neighborhoods where Blakeman has maintained strong relationships with community leaders.

As Nassau County executive, Blakeman developed a reputation as an outspoken supporter of Israel and a vocal opponent of antisemitism. His positions on public safety, religious freedom, and support for law enforcement also helped him cultivate backing among conservative and Orthodox voters.

Throughout the campaign, Blakeman portrayed Hochul as responsible for New York’s affordability crisis, arguing that excessive taxes, government regulations, and rising utility costs were driving residents and businesses out of the state.

He promised to reduce taxes, lower energy expenses, strengthen law enforcement, and pursue tougher immigration policies. He also criticized Hochul’s relationship with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, portraying their political alliance as evidence that the governor was moving further to the left.

Hochul, meanwhile, sought to connect Blakeman to President Donald Trump, arguing that the Republican challenger would bring the president’s political agenda to Albany. She emphasized her administration’s efforts to reduce costs for families, including tax relief, expanded childcare initiatives, and investments in housing and public transportation.

The governor also defended her record on public safety, pointing to state investments in subway security, mental health services, and measures aimed at reducing gun violence.

Both candidates made affordability a central theme, reflecting widespread concern among New Yorkers about housing prices, property taxes, utility bills, and the overall cost of raising a family in the state.

Blakeman repeatedly argued that New York needed a change in leadership after years of Democratic control, while Hochul maintained that her administration was addressing the state’s economic challenges and protecting residents from policies pursued by the Trump administration.

The final days of the campaign saw both candidates travel extensively throughout the state in an effort to increase turnout. Hochul concentrated heavily on New York City and Democratic strongholds, while Blakeman sought to maximize Republican participation on Long Island, in suburban communities, and across upstate New York.

Hochul also campaigned alongside Mamdani and Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, highlighting the support she received from prominent figures within her party.

Blakeman, for his part, emphasized his ability to appeal to independent voters and argued that polling showed the contest becoming more competitive as Election Day approached.

Despite those efforts, most public opinion surveys throughout the campaign had shown Hochul ahead, frequently by double-digit margins.

The election also unfolded against the backdrop of several competitive congressional races in New York, including contests on Long Island and in the Hudson Valley that could play an important role in determining control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Tuesday’s voting was complicated in parts of Westchester County by problems with ballot scanners, prompting election officials to implement emergency procedures to preserve and count ballots. State election officials said the affected ballots would be securely maintained and counted.

For Hochul, the victory provides a renewed mandate to pursue her administration’s priorities in Albany, including affordability measures, housing development, public safety initiatives, and expanded childcare programs.

For Blakeman, the defeat ends a gubernatorial campaign that elevated his statewide political profile and brought renewed attention to Republican efforts to challenge Democratic dominance in New York.

The result also means that New York’s frum communities will continue dealing with the Hochul administration on a range of issues of particular concern, including yeshiva education, government funding for private schools, religious accommodations, public safety, and efforts to combat antisemitism.

Hochul will begin her new four-year term in January 2027, with Democrats maintaining control of the governor’s office as New York confronts continuing debates over affordability, education, crime, and the direction of state government.

Former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has won the state’s closely watched U.S. Senate election, defeating President Donald Trump’s endorsed candidate, Michael Whatley, and flipping a Republican-held seat to Democratic control in one of the most consequential results of Tuesday’s midterm elections.

The Associated Press projected Cooper as the winner Tuesday evening, handing Democrats a crucial victory in their effort to regain control of the Senate. The race had been considered one of the party’s strongest opportunities to capture a seat previously held by Republicans.

Cooper, 69, will succeed retiring Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, who announced last year that he would not seek a third term following disagreements with Trump. Tillis’ retirement created an open-seat contest in a state that has supported Trump in all three of his presidential campaigns.

The victory represents a significant political achievement for Cooper, a longtime Democratic figure who served two terms as North Carolina governor and previously held the position of state attorney general for 16 years.

His Republican opponent, Whatley, 58, is a former chairman of the Republican National Committee and former chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party. Whatley entered the race with Trump’s strong backing and campaigned as a supporter of the president’s policies.

The contest attracted national attention because Republicans entered the election holding a 53-47 Senate majority, leaving Democrats needing a net gain of four seats to capture control of the chamber.

North Carolina was considered an essential part of that strategy, particularly because Cooper had demonstrated an unusual ability to win statewide elections even as Republican presidential candidates carried the state.

Cooper won the governorship in 2016 and secured reelection in 2020, both years in which North Carolina voters supported Trump for president. His success was widely attributed to his ability to attract independent voters and moderate Republicans while maintaining strong Democratic support.

Throughout the Senate campaign, Cooper emphasized economic concerns, particularly the rising costs of groceries, housing, healthcare, childcare, and energy.

He criticized the Trump administration’s tariff policies and its handling of the war with Iran, arguing that Washington’s decisions were placing additional financial pressure on American families.

Cooper also highlighted his record as governor, including his support for public education and the expansion of Medicaid coverage, while portraying himself as a pragmatic politician willing to work across party lines.

Whatley, meanwhile, sought to tie Cooper to Democratic policies on immigration, crime, and government spending. He argued that North Carolina needed a senator who would support Trump’s economic and legislative agenda rather than obstruct it.

The Republican candidate defended the president’s tax policies and promoted the administration’s immigration enforcement efforts, while accusing Cooper of being insufficiently tough on violent crime during his years as governor and attorney general.

Trump personally campaigned for Whatley and repeatedly criticized Cooper’s record, including his administration’s response to Hurricane Helene, which devastated portions of western North Carolina in 2024.

Cooper rejected those accusations, pointing to the work undertaken by state and local officials in cooperation with federal emergency management authorities following the storm.

Despite Trump’s involvement, Whatley faced significant difficulties throughout the campaign. Cooper consistently led in public opinion surveys and maintained a substantial fundraising advantage over his Republican opponent.

By October, several Republican organizations had reduced their advertising expenditures in North Carolina, reflecting concerns about Whatley’s prospects against the former governor.

The state’s large independent electorate also presented a challenge for Republicans. Unaffiliated voters outnumber registered Democrats and Republicans in North Carolina, making the ability to attract voters outside the traditional party bases particularly important.

Cooper’s victory extends an extraordinary political winning streak that began decades ago. He first entered the North Carolina legislature in 1987, later served in the state Senate, and won four consecutive elections for attorney general before capturing the governorship twice.

Tuesday’s victory adds a U.S. Senate seat to that record and makes him one of the few Democrats in recent years to win a federal statewide election in North Carolina.

The outcome is also a setback for Trump, whose endorsement helped elevate Whatley as the Republican nominee but failed to deliver victory in a state the president won in 2024.

For Democrats, the result provides a tangible gain rather than simply preserving an existing seat. Cooper’s victory transfers a Senate seat from Republican to Democratic hands, improving the party’s position as election officials continue counting ballots in other competitive states.

However, the North Carolina result alone does not determine control of the Senate. Democrats must secure additional victories elsewhere to overcome the Republican majority.

Cooper will begin his six-year term in January 2027, replacing Tillis and becoming North Carolina’s first Democratic U.S. senator since Kay Hagan left office in 2015.

His victory is expected to rank among the most significant Democratic successes of the 2026 midterm elections, demonstrating the party’s ability to win in a state that has repeatedly backed Trump at the presidential level.

Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff has won reelection in Georgia, defeating Republican Rep. Mike Collins in a closely watched contest that preserves a critical Democratic seat and delivers a significant setback to Republicans hoping to expand their Senate majority in Tuesday’s midterm elections.

The Associated Press declared Ossoff the winner at 7:55 p.m. Tuesday, less than an hour after polls closed in Georgia. The victory gives the 39-year-old senator a second six-year term and strengthens Democratic hopes of regaining control of the Senate.

Ossoff was the only incumbent Democratic senator seeking reelection in a state carried by President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. Trump won Georgia by approximately two percentage points two years ago, making Ossoff’s seat an early Republican target.

Republicans initially viewed Georgia as one of their strongest opportunities to defeat a Democratic incumbent. However, Ossoff built a substantial fundraising advantage, maintained a consistent lead in public opinion polls, and benefited from a contentious Republican primary that divided the state’s GOP establishment.

Collins, 59, a two-term congressman and trucking company owner, secured the Republican nomination after defeating former University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley in a June runoff. Trump endorsed Collins, while Republican Gov. Brian Kemp supported Dooley, exposing divisions within the party over its preferred candidate.

The general election campaign became increasingly contentious, with Ossoff portraying Collins as closely aligned with Trump and accusing him of embracing policies that had contributed to rising costs for American families.

Ossoff focused heavily on inflation, tariffs, healthcare expenses, and the economic pressures facing Georgia residents. He also criticized the administration’s handling of the war with Iran, arguing that its policies had contributed to higher energy costs.

Collins countered that Ossoff had supported the economic policies of the Biden administration, which Republicans blamed for inflation and increased government spending. He defended Trump’s immigration enforcement measures and argued that the president’s trade policies would ultimately benefit American workers.

The campaign was also marked by controversy surrounding Collins’ associations with individuals accused of promoting extremist and antisemitic views.

Ossoff repeatedly criticized Collins over social media activity involving members of his family and former staffers, including reported connections to white nationalist figures. Collins rejected accusations that he supported racist or extremist ideologies.

The Republican candidate also faced scrutiny over allegations concerning the misuse of congressional resources. Collins denied wrongdoing and dismissed the accusations as politically motivated.

Ossoff’s financial advantage was another major factor in the race. Federal campaign finance records showed that he raised more than $136 million during the election cycle, compared with approximately $13 million raised by Collins.

That enormous fundraising disparity allowed Ossoff to maintain an extensive advertising operation and campaign organization throughout Georgia, while Collins struggled to match the Democratic incumbent’s resources.

Ossoff first won election to the Senate in January 2021, defeating Republican incumbent David Perdue in a runoff that helped Democrats gain control of the chamber. He entered the Senate alongside fellow Georgia Democrat Raphael Warnock, marking a historic shift in a state that had long favored Republicans in statewide federal elections.

Before entering the Senate, Ossoff worked as a congressional aide and documentary filmmaker. He first gained national political attention in 2017 during an unsuccessful but unexpectedly competitive campaign for a Republican-held House seat in suburban Atlanta.

During his first Senate term, Ossoff became known for his aggressive questioning of administration officials and his criticism of government corruption. His campaign speeches attacking Trump and Republican policies attracted considerable national attention during the 2026 election cycle.

The senator’s growing prominence has also fueled speculation about a possible presidential campaign in 2028, although Ossoff has publicly indicated that he intends to serve his full second Senate term rather than pursue the White House.

His victory is particularly important because Republicans entered Tuesday’s elections holding a 53-47 Senate majority, leaving Democrats needing a net gain of four seats to take control of the chamber.

Had Collins defeated Ossoff, Republicans would have gained an additional seat and made the Democratic path to a Senate majority considerably more difficult.

Instead, Ossoff’s victory preserves one of the party’s most politically vulnerable seats and allows Democrats to concentrate on opportunities to defeat Republican candidates elsewhere.

The Georgia result also represents a setback for Trump, whose endorsement helped Collins secure the Republican nomination but was not enough to carry him to victory in a state the president won just two years earlier.

Ossoff will begin his second term in January 2027, remaining one of Georgia’s two Democratic senators as the new Congress convenes and the parties assess the broader results of the midterm elections.

Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas has won New Hampshire’s closely watched U.S. Senate election, defeating former Republican Sen. John E. Sununu and preserving a critical Democratic seat in one of the most competitive Senate contests of Tuesday’s midterm elections.

The Associated Press projected Pappas as the winner Tuesday evening, delivering a significant victory for Democrats as they battle Republicans for control of the Senate. The result denies Republicans an opportunity to capture a Democratic-held seat that had been considered one of their most promising pickup targets.

Pappas, 46, will succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, who announced earlier this year that she would not seek another term. Shaheen has represented New Hampshire in the Senate since 2009, and her retirement created an opening that Republicans hoped to exploit.

The election pitted Pappas, a four-term congressman representing New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District, against Sununu, 62, who previously served in the Senate from 2003 until 2009.

Sununu was attempting a political comeback nearly two decades after losing his reelection bid to Shaheen in 2008. His candidacy drew considerable attention because of his family’s longstanding influence in New Hampshire Republican politics.

His father, John H. Sununu, served as New Hampshire governor and later as White House chief of staff under President George H.W. Bush. His younger brother, Chris Sununu, also served as governor, holding the position from 2017 until 2025.

Republicans believed the family’s political reputation, combined with Sununu’s experience in Washington, could help them win over independent voters in a state known for its competitive elections.

President Donald Trump endorsed Sununu, although the Republican candidate sought to establish an independent political identity and emphasized his willingness to disagree with members of his own party.

Throughout the campaign, Pappas sought to connect Sununu to Trump’s policies, arguing that Republican control of the Senate would allow the president to advance an agenda that Democrats contend would increase costs for working families.

Pappas focused heavily on affordability, including housing expenses, healthcare costs, and the financial pressures facing New Hampshire residents. He also portrayed himself as a moderate Democrat capable of working across party lines while opposing policies he considered harmful to the state.

Sununu, meanwhile, criticized Pappas as a career politician who had failed to deliver meaningful results during his years in Congress. He emphasized economic issues, government spending, and the need for independent leadership in Washington.

The contest attracted substantial national attention and campaign spending as both parties recognized its importance in determining the balance of power in the Senate.

Republicans entered the election hoping to expand their Senate majority, while Democrats viewed retaining New Hampshire as essential to their efforts to regain control of the chamber.

Although New Hampshire has voted Democratic in recent presidential elections, Republicans have remained competitive in statewide contests. The state currently has a Republican governor, Kelly Ayotte, who previously served in the U.S. Senate.

Pappas, who was first elected to Congress in 2018, previously served on the New Hampshire Executive Council and in the state legislature. His victory represents a major advancement in his political career, moving him from the House to the Senate.

For Sununu, the defeat ends his latest attempt to return to Washington after a lengthy absence from elected office.

Pappas will take office in January 2027, replacing Shaheen and maintaining Democratic representation in the Senate seat.

His victory also creates an opening in New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District, where voters are choosing a successor in a separate race that has drawn considerable attention.

While the broader battle for control of the Senate remains dependent on results from other states, the New Hampshire outcome provides Democrats with an important victory by preventing Republicans from flipping one of the party’s closely contested seats.

{Matzav.com}

Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz has won reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives in Florida’s 25th Congressional District, defeating Republican Scott Singer in a closely watched contest that became a major battleground following the redrawing of Florida’s congressional map.

The victory allows Moskowitz, a Jewish congressman and outspoken supporter of Israel, to secure a third term in Congress despite competing in a newly configured district that President Donald Trump carried in the 2024 presidential election.

Moskowitz, who previously represented Florida’s 23rd Congressional District, was forced to campaign in new political territory after Florida lawmakers approved a revised congressional map earlier this year. The changes were designed to improve Republican prospects in several Democratic-held districts as the GOP sought to maintain its House majority.

The newly drawn 25th District stretches along Florida’s southeastern coastline, encompassing communities in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties, including portions of Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Miami Beach.

Under the new boundaries, Trump defeated Kamala Harris by approximately nine percentage points in 2024, making the district a significant Republican pickup opportunity heading into Tuesday’s midterm elections.

Moskowitz faced a formidable challenger in Singer, the former mayor of Boca Raton, who emerged from a five-candidate Republican primary in August.

Singer campaigned on reducing taxes, strengthening border security, supporting law enforcement, and cutting government waste. He also emphasized his willingness to work with President Trump to advance Republican priorities in Washington.

Moskowitz, meanwhile, focused heavily on affordability, including rising housing costs, homeowners insurance premiums, healthcare expenses, and the broader cost of living in South Florida.

The Democratic incumbent also highlighted his record of bipartisan cooperation, arguing that his experience working with Republicans and Democrats made him an effective representative for a politically divided district.

Before entering Congress, Moskowitz served in the Florida House of Representatives and later as director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management under Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.

His tenure in that position, particularly during major hurricanes and other emergencies, helped establish his reputation as a Democrat willing to work across party lines.

Moskowitz has also become a prominent voice on issues affecting the Jewish community, including support for Israel and efforts to combat antisemitism.

He serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and is a member of the bipartisan congressional task force combating antisemitism.

During the Democratic primary, Moskowitz defeated progressive challenger Oliver Larkin, who had advocated ending American military assistance to Israel. Moskowitz won approximately 63.5% of the primary vote, demonstrating substantial support among Democratic voters despite challenges from the party’s left wing.

His general election victory is particularly significant because the district was among a relatively small group of Democratic-held congressional seats that voted for Trump in the previous presidential election.

Republicans had hoped that Florida’s new congressional boundaries would allow them to capture several additional House seats, potentially providing an important advantage in the nationwide battle for control of Congress.

Moskowitz’s victory denies Republicans one of those opportunities and gives Democrats a significant success in a district that appeared favorable to the GOP based on its recent presidential voting history.

The congressman will begin his third term in January 2027, continuing to represent South Florida as Congress prepares for the final two years of President Trump’s term.

Violent demonstrations broke out Tuesday evening in Yerushalayim’s Bar Ilan neighborhood as extremist protesters attempted to halt progress on the city’s light rail expansion, placing mattresses in the middle of busy streets and lying on them to block traffic.

The renewed unrest followed the installation of the first light rail station structures in the Bar Ilan area, a development that triggered fresh opposition from groups that have long protested the railway’s planned route through chareidi neighborhoods.

Demonstrators spread mattresses across the roadway and stretched out on them, preventing vehicles from passing and bringing traffic to a standstill. The unusual protest tactic quickly escalated into confrontations with police officers dispatched to clear the streets.

Jerusalem District police, together with officers from the Yasam riot-control unit and Border Police forces, responded to the disturbances and began efforts to remove protesters and reopen the affected roads.

According to police, the demonstration developed into a public disturbance as participants blocked major traffic arteries and disrupted normal activity throughout the surrounding neighborhood.

Police said an officer initially attempted to speak with the demonstrators and persuade them to leave the roadway voluntarily. When those efforts failed, the officer formally declared the gathering unlawful and instructed participants to disperse.

After protesters refused to comply, riot police and Border Police personnel began clearing the blocked streets. Authorities said officers would remain in the area until traffic could resume and public order was restored.

Tuesday’s disturbances followed a significant development earlier in the day, when construction crews installed the first light rail stations along Bar Ilan Street despite years of opposition from extremist groups.

The stations are part of Yerushalayim’s planned Green Line, which will extend approximately 20 kilometers from the Har Hatzofim area in the north toward Gilo in the south. Opponents argue that bringing the railway through the heart of chareidi neighborhoods will threaten the religious character of the surrounding communities.

The project has repeatedly been disrupted by demonstrations, vandalism and confrontations with police. Previous reports have estimated that damage to construction sites, equipment and infrastructure, together with additional security expenses, has reached hundreds of millions of shekels.

The repeated disruptions have also reportedly delayed portions of the project by approximately two years. Despite the opposition, construction has continued, with Tuesday’s station installations marking another step toward completing the railway.

Protest organizers have indicated that they intend to continue opposing the project, even as construction advances through Bar Ilan and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz has won reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives, defeating Republican Brent Andersen in Florida’s 20th Congressional District and securing a 12th term in Congress despite a major redrawing of South Florida’s political boundaries.

The Associated Press declared Wasserman Schultz the winner at 7:09 p.m. Tuesday, shortly after polls closed, allowing the longtime congresswoman and former chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee to extend her more than two decades in Washington.

Wasserman Schultz, 60, became the first Jewish woman elected to Congress from Florida when she won her initial House race in 2004. She has remained a prominent Democratic figure, particularly on issues involving Israel, antisemitism, healthcare, and government spending.

This year’s election presented an unusual challenge for the veteran lawmaker. Following a Republican-led redistricting effort approved by the Florida Legislature and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, her previous congressional district was substantially altered, prompting her to seek election in the newly configured 20th District.

The district encompasses portions of central and western Broward County, including communities in Fort Lauderdale, Lauderhill, Lauderdale Lakes, Tamarac, North Lauderdale, Plantation, Sunrise, and Pompano Beach.

The seat had been represented by Black lawmakers for more than three decades, making Wasserman Schultz’s decision to enter the race a source of considerable controversy during the Democratic primary.

She faced a crowded field of opponents, including former Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, former Broward County Mayor Dale Holness, educator Elijah Manley, and community activist Luther Campbell.

Wasserman Schultz ultimately prevailed in the August primary, capturing approximately 45% of the vote and defeating Holness, her nearest challenger, by a substantial margin.

Her victory in the Democratic primary effectively positioned her as the favorite in the general election, given the district’s strong Democratic voting history.

Her Republican opponent, Brent Andersen, is a businessman who founded a commercial and property insurance company. Andersen campaigned on his experience in the insurance industry, arguing that his business background would help him address rising property insurance premiums and housing costs, major concerns for Florida residents.

Independent candidate Kedner Maxime also appeared on Tuesday’s ballot.

Throughout the campaign, Wasserman Schultz emphasized her seniority in Congress and argued that her experience would allow her to effectively represent the newly drawn district.

She identified affordability as a central concern, pointing to the rising costs of housing, groceries, utilities, gasoline, and healthcare.

Before her election to Congress, Wasserman Schultz served in both chambers of the Florida Legislature, establishing a political career that has now spanned more than three decades.

She later gained national prominence as chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee from 2011 until 2016, a position she left amid controversy surrounding the party’s presidential primary process.

Wasserman Schultz has also been an outspoken supporter of Israel and has frequently addressed issues involving the Jewish community, including concerns about rising antisemitism in the United States.

Her victory ensures that Democrats will retain Florida’s 20th Congressional District as both parties compete for control of the House of Representatives in the midterm elections.

The result also represents a successful political transition for Wasserman Schultz, who was forced to seek a new constituency following the state’s redistricting changes but emerged with another term in Congress.

She will begin her 12th term in January 2027.

Lakewood Mayor Ray Coles is projected to win reelection to the Lakewood Township Committee, extending a political career spanning nearly 25 years and securing another three-year term in one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing municipalities.

Coles, a Democrat who has been a fixture in Lakewood politics for more than two decades, was among four candidates competing for two seats on the five-member Township Committee in Tuesday’s general election.

The race featured Coles and fellow Democrat Samantha Stokes against Republicans Deborah Fuentes, an incumbent committeewoman, and Moshe Raitzik, a longtime community figure who previously served on the Lakewood Board of Education and currently serves as a fire commissioner.

Coles first joined the Township Committee in December 2001 and has served continuously since then, overseeing a period of extraordinary growth and transformation in Lakewood.

He has served as mayor on numerous occasions, including throughout the past decade, becoming one of the township’s longest-serving and most recognizable public officials.

Unlike municipalities where the mayor is elected directly by voters, Lakewood operates under a system in which residents elect members of the Township Committee, who then select the mayor from among themselves during the annual reorganization meeting.

Coles’ projected victory therefore secures his continued membership on the governing body, although his selection as mayor for another year will be determined separately by the committee.

During his tenure, Lakewood has experienced tremendous population growth, accompanied by extensive residential and commercial development and increasing demands on municipal infrastructure.

The township’s rapid expansion has brought significant challenges involving traffic congestion, road improvements, public safety, housing development, and the delivery of municipal services to a growing population.

Those issues featured prominently in this year’s local election, particularly as residents continued to express concerns about traffic conditions and the pace of development throughout the township.

The Republican candidates sought to address those concerns, with Raitzik emphasizing traffic congestion, road closures, infrastructure improvements, and the effects of continued development.

The election also took place against the backdrop of Lakewood’s unusual political landscape, where local candidates from both major parties have historically attracted support across party lines.

Republicans entered the election holding a 3-2 majority on the Township Committee, making the outcome of the two contested seats significant for the balance of power in municipal government.

Coles’ projected reelection ensures that he will remain involved in decisions affecting the township’s budget, infrastructure, municipal services, and development policies as Lakewood continues to grow.

The results remain unofficial pending the completion of ballot counting and certification by election officials. Final vote totals and the outcome of the second Township Committee seat were not immediately confirmed.

Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna has been projected to win reelection in Florida’s 13th Congressional District, securing another term in the U.S. House of Representatives and delivering an important victory for Republicans as the party battles to maintain control of Congress in Tuesday’s midterm elections.

Decision Desk HQ projected Luna as the winner shortly after polls closed Tuesday evening, allowing the Republican incumbent to retain her seat representing the Tampa Bay region.

Luna defeated Democratic challenger Leela Gray, who won her party’s nomination in August after receiving approximately 65% of the vote in a three-way primary. Independent candidate Tony D’Arrigo also appeared on the general election ballot.

The victory gives Luna, a prominent supporter of President Donald Trump and a member of the House Freedom Caucus, a third consecutive term in Congress. She was first elected in 2022, when she flipped a previously Democratic-held seat, and won reelection in 2024.

Luna, an Air Force veteran, has established herself as an outspoken conservative voice in Washington, particularly on immigration enforcement, government spending, congressional oversight, and support for Trump’s political agenda.

Her district, which includes portions of Pinellas County in the Tampa Bay area, has become increasingly favorable to Republicans in recent election cycles. Trump carried the district by approximately 13 percentage points in the 2024 presidential election, while Luna defeated Democratic challenger Whitney Fox that year by roughly nine points.

Despite the district’s Republican lean, Democrats had hoped that a favorable national political environment could make the race competitive. The Cook Political Report classified the contest as leaning Republican rather than safely Republican, reflecting the possibility of a closer race.

Gray campaigned as an alternative to Luna’s conservative approach, seeking to attract voters dissatisfied with Republican policies and the direction of the federal government.

Luna’s victory comes as both parties closely monitor congressional races across the country, with control of the House potentially hinging on relatively small numbers of competitive districts.

For Republicans, retaining seats such as Florida’s 13th District is an important part of their strategy to preserve their congressional majority and maintain support for President Trump’s legislative priorities during the final two years of his term.

Luna will begin her third term in January 2027, continuing her role as one of the more outspoken members of the House Republican conference.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is projected to win a third consecutive term, extending Democratic control of the governor’s office in one of the nation’s most reliably Democratic states and strengthening his position as a potential contender for the party’s 2028 presidential nomination.

Pritzker, a billionaire businessman who first took office in January 2019, entered Tuesday’s election as a strong favorite after building a substantial fundraising advantage and maintaining a prominent national profile as one of President Donald Trump’s most outspoken Democratic critics.

The projected victory gives Pritzker another four years to pursue his agenda in Springfield, including education spending, economic development, healthcare initiatives, and efforts to expand access to state services.

Pritzker was first elected governor in 2018, defeating Republican incumbent Bruce Rauner, and secured a second term in 2022 against Republican state Sen. Darren Bailey.

His latest victory would make him the first Illinois governor since Republican Jim Thompson to win three consecutive elected terms.

Before entering politics, Pritzker was known for his business investments and philanthropy. A member of the family associated with the Hyatt hotel chain, he has used considerable personal wealth to finance his political campaigns.

Tuesday’s race was a rematch between Pritzker and Republican Darren Bailey, a former state senator and conservative farmer from southern Illinois. Bailey had challenged Pritzker in 2022 but lost by a double-digit margin. This year, he again campaigned on reducing taxes, limiting government spending, strengthening public safety, and opposing the governor’s policies on immigration and other issues.

Bailey received President Trump’s endorsement but faced an uphill battle in a state where Democrats maintain strong electoral advantages, particularly in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. The Associated Press called the race for Pritzker within minutes of polls closing Tuesday evening.

Pritzker’s reelection carries historical significance. He becomes the first Democrat to win three terms as Illinois governor and the first governor of either party to accomplish the feat since Republican Jim Thompson, who served from 1977 to 1991.

The victory also comes as Pritzker continues to build his national political profile. He has become a leading Democratic voice against Trump and has frequently traveled outside Illinois to support Democratic candidates and causes.

Political observers have increasingly mentioned Pritzker as a possible presidential candidate in 2028, particularly as Democrats consider which governors and other national figures could lead the party in the next presidential election.

Pritzker has not formally announced any presidential ambitions, but his fundraising resources, national visibility, and record of winning statewide elections have made him a prominent figure in those discussions.

His reelection also ensures that Democrats will retain the Illinois governor’s office as the party seeks to preserve its control of state government. Democrats entered the election holding majorities in both chambers of the Illinois legislature, giving Pritzker substantial legislative support for his agenda.

The governor will begin his third term in January 2027, with attention likely to focus not only on his plans for Illinois but also on whether his growing national prominence eventually leads him to pursue the White House.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has won reelection to a second four-year term, defeating Republican state Treasurer Stacy Garrity in a decisive victory that strengthens his standing as a potential Democratic presidential contender in 2028.

The Associated Press projected Shapiro as the winner at 8:01 p.m. Tuesday, just one minute after polls closed across Pennsylvania, reflecting the overwhelming advantage the Democratic incumbent carried into Election Day.

Shapiro, 53, secured another term in one of the nation’s most politically important battleground states, which President Donald Trump carried in the 2024 presidential election. His victory represents a significant success for Pennsylvania Democrats as they seek to expand their influence in state government and congressional races.

The governor, who was first elected in 2022, campaigned on his administration’s record of increasing education funding, supporting law enforcement, attracting businesses, and creating jobs. He also emphasized his efforts to work across party lines in a state where Republicans have controlled the Senate throughout his tenure.

Shapiro’s running mate, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, was also reelected and will serve another four-year term.

Garrity, 62, a U.S. Army veteran who has served as Pennsylvania’s treasurer since 2021, sought to make the election a referendum on Shapiro’s handling of the state’s economy, taxes, energy policies, and government spending.

The Republican challenger, who received President Trump’s endorsement in January, argued that Pennsylvania needed new leadership to address rising costs and expand economic opportunities. She promised to encourage energy production, reduce taxes, and pursue policies intended to create additional jobs.

Despite receiving strong support from Republican leaders, Garrity struggled to gain traction against Shapiro, who maintained a substantial advantage in fundraising and public opinion surveys throughout the campaign.

Shapiro entered Election Day with a commanding lead in most polls. The RealClearPolitics polling average showed him ahead by approximately 26 percentage points during October, making the contest one of the least competitive major gubernatorial races of the 2026 election cycle.

The governor’s reelection comes four years after he defeated Republican Doug Mastriano by nearly 15 percentage points in 2022, establishing himself as one of the Democratic Party’s strongest statewide candidates.

Shapiro previously served as Pennsylvania’s attorney general from 2017 until 2023 and gained national recognition for his handling of major legal and political controversies.

During his first term as governor, he attracted widespread attention for overseeing the rapid reconstruction of a collapsed section of Interstate 95 in Philadelphia in 2023, an episode that became a centerpiece of his political messaging about effective government.

Shapiro has also emerged as an outspoken critic of President Trump, repeatedly challenging administration policies through public statements and legal action.

His political profile rose considerably during the 2024 presidential campaign, when then-Vice President Kamala Harris considered him as a potential running mate before ultimately selecting Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

Since then, Shapiro has frequently appeared on lists of possible Democratic presidential candidates for 2028. His ability to win comfortably in Pennsylvania, a state considered essential to either party’s presidential ambitions, is expected to strengthen his national political prospects.

The governor has maintained that his immediate priority is serving Pennsylvania, although he has declined to definitively rule out a future presidential campaign.

Beyond his own reelection, Shapiro has invested considerable political and financial resources in helping Democratic candidates competing for congressional and state legislative seats.

His campaign directed approximately $10 million toward efforts to flip four Republican-held congressional districts and help Democrats gain full control of Pennsylvania’s state government for the first time since 1993.

Democrats entered Election Day controlling the state House by a narrow margin, while Republicans held the state Senate. A Democratic takeover of both chambers would give Shapiro considerably greater freedom to pursue his legislative agenda during his second term.

Among the governor’s priorities are increasing Pennsylvania’s minimum wage, expanding education investments, and advancing additional measures supported by Democratic lawmakers.

While Shapiro’s own victory was projected almost immediately after polls closed, the outcomes of several closely contested congressional and legislative races remained unresolved Tuesday evening, leaving the broader political consequences of Pennsylvania’s election still to be determined.

Democratic Sen. Cory Booker has won reelection in New Jersey, easily defeating Republican challenger Justin Murphy and securing another six-year term in the U.S. Senate, according to projections by the Associated Press and NBC News.

The victory allows Booker, 57, to retain a seat that Democrats have controlled for decades and delivers an important hold for the party as it battles Republicans for control of the Senate in Tuesday’s midterm elections.

Booker entered Election Day as the overwhelming favorite against Murphy, an attorney, U.S. Navy veteran, and former local official from Tabernacle Township in Burlington County. Major election analysts had consistently classified the contest as safely Democratic.

NBC News projected Booker as the winner shortly after polls closed at 8 p.m., with early returns showing him holding a commanding lead. The Associated Press also called the race for the Democratic incumbent.

Booker has represented New Jersey in the Senate since 2013, when he won a special election following the death of longtime Democratic Sen. Frank Lautenberg. He subsequently won full six-year terms in 2014 and 2020 and will now begin his third full term in January.

Before entering the Senate, Booker served as mayor of Newark from 2006 until 2013. He later sought the Democratic presidential nomination in the 2020 election cycle and has remained a prominent national figure within his party.

Throughout his reelection campaign, Booker emphasized economic concerns, including the rising cost of living, tax relief for working families, and healthcare affordability. He promoted a proposal known as the Keep Your Pay Act, which would eliminate federal income taxes on the first $75,000 of household income for many taxpayers while expanding the child tax credit.

Murphy, who won a four-way Republican primary in June, campaigned on reducing taxes and government spending, supporting small businesses, protecting parental rights, and strengthening domestic energy production.

The Republican challenger also advocated tougher immigration enforcement and greater economic opportunities for New Jersey residents. However, he faced substantial obstacles, including a significant fundraising disadvantage against the well-established Democratic incumbent.

Republicans have not won a U.S. Senate election in New Jersey since 1972, and Booker had previously demonstrated his electoral strength by winning reelection in 2020 by approximately 17 percentage points.

Although President Trump made significant gains in New Jersey during the 2024 presidential election compared with earlier Republican performances, Democrats continued to hold an advantage in statewide voter registration and federal elections.

Booker’s victory also keeps him in the national political spotlight as Democrats begin looking ahead to the 2028 presidential election. The New Jersey senator has been mentioned as a possible contender for his party’s nomination, although he has not announced any plans to seek the presidency.

The result means that Republicans will not gain a Senate seat in New Jersey, leaving the broader battle for control of the chamber dependent on the outcomes of more competitive races elsewhere in the country.

[COMMUNICATED]

Exit Polls: I’m looking for words like ANGER and AFFORDABILITY. This will tell us what’s actually driving voters to the polls. The absence of those words may also mean that a bluewave has been overindexed.

Maury Litwack reporting for Mishpacha

Get real-time results and incisive analysis straight from Mishpacha reporters.

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Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yashar! party, announced Tuesday that his political alliance intends to move quickly to establish a government without Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, replace the Knesset speaker and repeal legislation it considers harmful to Israeli democracy.

Speaking after a meeting of leaders from the anti-Netanyahu bloc, Eisenkot declared that Netanyahu no longer commands a parliamentary majority and insisted that the parties seeking to replace him are united in their determination to form a new government.

“We will act quickly. We have two objectives ahead of us: establishing a national emergency government and carrying out measures in the Knesset,” Eisenkot said, outlining plans to install a new Knesset speaker, introduce legislation and overturn existing laws that he argues threaten democratic institutions.

Eisenkot said the proposed government would operate according to principles agreed upon by the participating parties, including preserving Israel’s identity as a Jewish, democratic and liberal state, based on the values of its Declaration of Independence.

A central element of the proposed coalition’s agenda would be the introduction of a universal service obligation, requiring citizens to perform military, national or civilian service. Such a policy would have major implications for the chareidi community and the ongoing dispute over military enlistment exemptions for yeshiva bochurim.

The alliance’s stated principles also include treating Hamas as a terrorist organization and pursuing the destruction of its military capabilities and governing authority.

The five opposition party leaders who met Tuesday were Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, Yair Lapid, Avigdor Lieberman and Yair Golan. Following their meeting in Herzliya, they agreed to recommend Eisenkot to President Isaac Herzog as their candidate to form the next government.

They also agreed to pursue the replacement of current Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, a Likud member, although disagreements remain over who should succeed him. Lieberman has expressed support for Lapid, while Eisenkot’s party is seeking the position for one of its own representatives.

The dispute over the speakership could prove important because control of the Knesset’s agenda would give the opposition greater influence over legislative proceedings even before a new government is established.

Eisenkot sharply criticized Netanyahu and Likud, declaring that the prime minister’s parliamentary support had fallen to just 46 lawmakers.

“Beginning Tuesday, Netanyahu is a caretaker prime minister supported by only 46 members of Knesset,” Eisenkot declared.

Notably, Eisenkot’s calculation excludes United Torah Judaism’s seven seats, an apparent indication that he is leaving open the possibility of cooperation with the chareidi party. However, no agreement with UTJ has been announced, and the proposed universal service requirement could present a major obstacle to such cooperation.

Eisenkot also accused Likud of attempting to discredit the election results and warned that his political opponents would launch a campaign of misinformation aimed at disrupting the opposition’s efforts to form a government.

He predicted a wave of “spins and ugly, dishonest briefings” in the coming days, insisting that the opposition parties would not be intimidated into abandoning their plans.

Referring to the approaching anniversary of the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin, Eisenkot declared, “We will remember what we learned: In the face of violence, incitement and the erosion of the foundations of democracy, we will stand firm, without fear. Anyone who thinks they can intimidate the forces of change does not properly appreciate our determination and our commitment to the citizens of Israel.”

Despite the public declarations of unity, significant disagreements remain within the anti-Netanyahu alliance, particularly over the role of Arab parties in a potential government and the identity of the next Knesset speaker.

Golan has supported cooperation with Arab parties, while other opposition leaders have resisted such an arrangement. The bloc is consequently exploring whether an alternative parliamentary majority could be assembled with support from chareidi lawmakers.

Eisenkot said negotiating teams from the participating parties would begin drafting common coalition guidelines immediately, with the objective of preventing another election and ending what he described as Netanyahu’s continued hold on power.