NJ Supreme Court Cancels Bayonne's Council Ward Runoff Elections

Bayonne Mayor Robert Kubert today welcomed the Superior Court of New Jersey’s decision granting the City’s application to cancel the June 9, 2026, runoff elections for Bayonne’s Second and Third Ward City Council seats and directing that the successful candidates, Thomas Gillen, Jr. (Third Ward) and Melissa Godesky-Rodriguez (Second Ward), be certified as elected.

The Court’s decision is believed to be the first of its kind in New Jersey to cancel a municipal runoff election under these extraordinary circumstances.

The City sought emergent judicial relief after it became clear that the candidates eligible to oppose the leading vote-getters in the runoff elections, Gary LaPelusa (Third Ward) and Omar Elgarhi (Second Ward), had publicly withdrawn from their campaigns, ceased campaigning, and stated they did not intend to serve if elected.  Faced with those unique and unprecedented circumstances, the City petitioned the Court to cancel both runoff elections rather than proceed with them and require taxpayers to bear the significant runoff election costs, estimated at $60,000 to $120,000, for elections that no longer presented an active contest.  The Court agreed with the City’s position and recognized that, under the extraordinary circumstances, proceeding with the runoff elections would have served no meaningful purpose.

Mayor Kubert issued the following statement:

“This matter was never about politics. It was about good government, fiscal responsibility, and the protection of Bayonne taxpayers’ interests, while preserving the integrity of the electoral process. I express my gratitude to Law Director Donna Russo and the Bayonne Law Department staff for identifying this issue, taking the initiative to pursue a prompt legal resolution, and working diligently to protect Bayonne taxpayers. Their commitment to public service was instrumental in achieving this result and in helping the City avoid unnecessary expenditures of tens of thousands of dollars in taxpayer funds. Most importantly, I am grateful to the residents of Bayonne who participated in this year’s municipal election. Their engagement and commitment to our community are the foundation of our democracy.”

The Court’s order cancels the June 9, 2026, runoff elections and directs certification of Thomas Gillen, Jr. as Third Ward Council Member and Melissa Godesky-Rodriguez as Second Ward Council Member.