Cape May County Election 2026: Who's Running and What's at Stake on Nov. 3

Issue #859

November 03, 2026

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

🪖Cape May County Election 2026: Who's Running and What's at Stake on Nov. 3

👩🏻Cape May Brewing and Asher’s Chocolate Unveil Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Beer

☄Christmas Magic Returns to Storybook Land November 14 With Santa, Snow and Sparkling Lights

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Daisy Lane Boutique

Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇

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Cape May County Election 2026: Who's Running and What's at Stake

Voting for our elected officials is a fundamental part of our American DNA, a right and responsibility that too many of us take for granted.

That said, is there anyone among us who is actually going to miss the over-the-top rhetoric, outrageous mudslinging and seemingly endless barrage of political ads that have dominated this election season?

Regardless of where you stand politically, today is your opportunity to make your voice heard and help determine the direction of our communities, our state and our country.

So, get out and vote! Exercise one of our most important freedoms, make your voice count, and, for goodness' sake, let's give ourselves a much-needed break from those awful political ads

Here is a breakdown of what’s on the ballot in Cape May County.

The election features several contested races, including two seats on the Cape May County Board of County Commissioners, township committee contests in Dennis Township, council elections in Lower Township and multiple school board races across the county.

Several Republican candidates are running without Democratic opposition, while other contests feature independent candidates or nonpartisan races.

Voters in Stone Harbor will also decide whether to approve a $1.5 million school bond proposal to fund roof improvements at Stone Harbor Elementary School.

Cape May County Board of County Commissioners — Vote for two

Four candidates are competing for two three-year terms on the county governing board.

  • Republicans: Patrick Rosenello and Curtis Bashaw

  • Democrats: Eric J. Morey and David Temple

Cape May County Sheriff — Vote for one

Republican Robert A. Nolan is seeking a three-year term as sheriff. Democrats did not nominate a candidate.

Cape May City

Three candidates are running for three City Council seats in the nonpartisan election: Maureen K. McDade, Lorraine Baldwin and Shaine P. Meier.

Dennis Township

Four candidates are seeking two three-year terms on the Township Committee. Republicans Thomas Van Artsdalen and Scott Turner face Democrats John Carson and Renee Pettit.

Lower Township

Voters will elect representatives in three council wards, each for a four-year term.

In Ward 1, Republican Thomas Conrad is running without a Democratic opponent.

Ward 2 features a three-way contest between Democrat Elizabeth Blair-Semmer, Republican Joseph Wareham and incumbent Caroline Rankovic, listed as an independent.

In Ward 3, Democrat Michelle Simmons faces Republican Roland A. Roy Jr.

Middle Township

Republican Christopher M. Leusner is running for a three-year Township Committee term without a Democratic challenger.

North Wildwood

Three Republican candidates are running without Democratic opposition.

David Del Conte is seeking the Ward 1 council seat, while Kellyanne Tolomeo is running in Ward 2. Ronald Simone is seeking an at-large council position to complete a one-year unexpired term.

Stone Harbor

Three candidates are seeking two three-year Borough Council seats.

Republicans Kenneth Biddick and Wendi L. Powers are joined on the ballot by incumbent Geoff Woolery, who is running as an independent. Democrats did not nominate candidates.

Upper Township

Republican Curtis T. Corson Jr. is running for a three-year Township Committee term without a Democratic opponent.

Woodbine

Republican William Pikolycky is seeking another four-year term as mayor, with no Democratic candidate nominated.

Republicans David Bennett and Hector Cruz are running for two Borough Council seats, also without Democratic opposition.

School board races will also appear on ballots throughout the county. These elections are generally nonpartisan, although some candidates are running under designated ballot slogans.

Municipality or school district

Candidates

Seats

Avalon

Alexis B. Binder, Joyce Cremin

2

Cape May City

Robert Gorgone, Sharon Lee A. Kustra; one position without a filed petition

3

Cape May Point

Peter J. Manzo Jr.

1

Dennis Township

Jamie Burrows, Claudia Miller, Nichol Hoff

3

Lower Cape May Regional

Violanda Di Renzo-Adams, Pat Holden, Roy Abrams Jr.

2

Lower Township

Joann Mc Laughlin, Joseph E. Thomas, Gary Douglass Sr., Cynthia Baldacchini, Lauren Cox

3

Middle Township

Brian L. Vergantino, Mark A. Higginbottom, Jonathon E. Hand Jr., David DelConte Jr., Necheala Shelton, Christopher Ingersoll, Burgess R. Hamer

3

North Wildwood

Ronald Golden; two positions without filed petitions

3

Ocean City

Matthew L. Maas, Steve Flogaus, Kelly Anne Hudak, Jocelyn Palaganas, Corey Niemiec, Michael Allegretto, Catherine Panico

3

Ocean City — unexpired term

Lisa Capra-Mansfield

1

Sea Isle City

Kerry E. Mullane, Sue F. Williamson

2

Stone Harbor

Suzanne M. Walters, Mark R. Matreale, Kara Sweet

2

Upper Township

Anna Nistorenko, Kelly Pratt-Johnson, Elsie Jamison, Meghan Miller

3

Lower Cape May Regional — West Cape May

Kathleen Elwell

1

West Cape May

Mary Margaret Lynn

1

West Wildwood

April K. Howard, Donna Howard

2

Wildwood City

Lynn Quinlan; one position without a filed petition

2

Wildwood Crest

Nicholas Holland, Patrick Wood

1

Wildwood Crest — unexpired term

Eileen Gianakopoulos

1

Woodbine

Janita Hutchinson, Miriam Vives-Rivera

2

Among the more crowded contests are the Middle Township and Ocean City school board elections, where seven candidates are competing for three positions in each district.

In addition to selecting candidates, Stone Harbor residents will vote on a school construction referendum.

The proposal would authorize the Stone Harbor Board of Education to spend up to $1.5 million to replace part of the roof at Stone Harbor Elementary School and complete related improvements.

The district would be permitted to issue bonds totaling no more than $1.5 million. According to the ballot language, the project qualifies for state debt service aid equal to 40% of the annual debt service associated with eligible project costs.

A majority vote in favor would authorize the proposal, while a majority vote against it would reject the borrowing authorization.

Election Day is Today. New Jersey polling places are scheduled to be open from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Voters should review their sample ballots because the races appearing on individual ballots depend on their municipality, ward and school district.

Residents can confirm their polling locations and find election information through the New Jersey Division of Elections.

With countywide offices, municipal seats, school board positions and a major school funding question on the ballot, Cape May County voters will have a range of decisions to make in the 2026 general election.

Cape May Brewing and Asher’s Chocolate Unveil Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Beer

Cape May Brewing Company and Asher’s Chocolate Co. are joining forces to introduce a unique seasonal collaboration that combines the flavors of craft beer, chocolate and salty pretzels. Beginning Friday, November 6, 2026, the companies will release Dipped & Twisted, a limited-edition Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Imperial Brown Ale, alongside two specially created, beer-inspired candies.

The new imperial brown ale features an 8% alcohol content (ABV) and is brewed with Asher’s cocoa nibs, caramel, sea salt and a blend of roasted and caramel malts. The combination creates a rich, smooth beer with sweet chocolate notes, toasted malt flavors and a salty finish reminiscent of chocolate-covered pretzels.

In addition to the beer, Asher’s is introducing two alcohol-free confections. Cape May Crunch is a crunchy pretzel brittle infused with malt extract, while Malted Sea Salt Caramels combine chocolate, caramel, malt and sea salt for a sweet-and-savory treat. Both candies are designed to complement the collaboration’s signature flavors without containing alcohol.

Dipped & Twisted will be available in six-packs and on draft at the Cape May Brewing Tasting Room, located at 1250 Hornet Road in Cape May, New Jersey. Select retailers and bars throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware will also carry the seasonal beer. The specialty candies will be sold at Asher’s Chocolate Retail Store & Candy Factory in Souderton, Pennsylvania, and online through the company’s website.

To celebrate the launch, the companies are hosting two special tasting events. The first will take place Friday, November 6, at Cape May Brewing Company, followed by a second celebration Tuesday, November 10, at Asher’s Chocolate Retail Store & Candy Factory. Visitors will have an opportunity to experience the new products, enjoy Asher’s signature chocolate-covered pretzels and explore exclusive collaboration merchandise.

The partnership brings together two established regional businesses, blending Cape May Brewing’s craft beer expertise with Asher’s long-standing chocolate-making tradition. By transforming the familiar combination of beer and pretzels into a chocolate-inspired seasonal offering, the companies hope to appeal to craft beer enthusiasts and chocolate lovers alike.

All three products are limited-edition releases and will be available only while supplies last, making the collaboration a short-term treat for customers across the region.

Christmas Magic Returns to Storybook Land November 14 With Santa, Snow and Sparkling Lights

The holiday season is about to shine a little brighter in South Jersey as Storybook Land prepares to welcome families back for its beloved Christmas Fantasy with Lights celebration, a seasonal tradition that has delighted generations of visitors for nearly four decades.

Beginning November 14, the family-owned amusement park in Egg Harbor Township will transform into a winter wonderland featuring more than one million colorful Christmas lights, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday-themed rides, falling snow and festive food.

The centerpiece of the celebration takes place each evening at 5 p.m., when Santa Claus makes his magical appearance, waves his wand and brings the entire park to life with a dazzling display of holiday lights. The nightly illumination has become a treasured moment for families who return year after year to experience the Christmas magic.

The nationally recognized event runs on select dates through December 30, with Santa visits ending December 23. Advance tickets are required.

What famous daily tradition takes place at Sunset Beach during the summer season?

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 Answer to the November 2nd Trivia Question 

What tiny municipality borders Cape May and is home to Sunset Beach?

A) The Villas  B) Lower Township C)Dennis D) Erma  Answer: B) Lower Township

Sunset Beach is in the township's Cape May Point-area section, not the Borough of Cape May Point

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