Wilsusen, Senatore, and Galfo Win Jefferson Republican Primary

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Mayor Eric F. Wilsusen won the Republican nomination for another term as Jefferson Township Mayor, defeating former Assemblyman Christian E. Barranco in Tuesday’s primary election.

According to unofficial results released by the Morris County Clerk’s Office, Wilsusen received 1,609 votes, while Barranco received 1,138 votes. There was one write-in vote.

The primary also decided the Republican nominees for two seats on the Jefferson Township Council. Melissa Senatore led the field with 1,557 votes, followed by Thomas G. Galfo with 1,540 votes. Sheila J. Brown received 1,015 votes, and Dorothy “Dottie” Santasieri received 947 votes. There was one write-in vote.

Wilsusen, Senatore, and Galfo ran on the Morris County Republican Party line, while Barranco, Brown, and Santasieri ran under the “Save Jefferson, Conservative Republicans” slogan.

The campaign centered on competing messages about Jefferson Township’s future. Wilsusen, who has served as mayor since 2019, pointed to his administration’s record, experience, and steady leadership. Barranco’s campaign focused on fiscal discipline, transparency, and concerns over municipal spending and property taxes.

No Democratic candidates filed petitions for mayor or the two Township Council seats, meaning the winners of the Republican primary are positioned to move forward without Democratic opposition in the November general election.

Voter turnout in Jefferson Township was strong for a primary election. The township had 16,202 registered voters, including 7,018 Republicans, 3,751 Democrats, and 5,433 unaffiliated voters. A total of 3,857 ballots were cast, including 2,777 Republican ballots and 1,080 Democratic ballots.

The results remain unofficial until certified by election officials.