Cranford Primary Results: Rappa Likely To Face Black In November

CRANFORD, NJ — In the Democratic primary race to get the nod to run for a Cranford Township Committee seat in November, Kathleen Rappa appears to have edged out incumbent and former Mayor Thomas Hannen Jr. for the party nomination.

With all 30 of Cranford's districts reporting on Tuesday night, the Union County clerk listed the unofficial results as:

Democrats:

• Kathleen Rappa: 1,166 or 55.79 percent
• Thomas Hannen: 921 votes or 44.07 percent
• Write-In: 3 votes

Republicans:

• Regina Black (unopposed for the nomination): 924 votes or 98.93 percent
• Write-In: 10 votes or 1 percent

Polls closed in Cranford at 8 p.m.

Patch will update the numbers in the future when all results are certified by the county clerk.

This means Rappa will likely be the Democratic nominee to face off against Republican candidate Regina Black for a committee seat on Nov. 2.

This year, Rappa ran under the banner of the Cranford Democratic Committee, part of the Regular Democratic Organization of Union County. She was endorsed by Mayor Kathleen Prunty Miller. Even Gov. Phil Murphy reportedly offered support.

Incumbent Committeeman Thomas H. Hannen Jr., who in the past has served as mayor, failed this year to get the nod from the Regular Democratic Organization, an unusual turn of events considering his experience.

"We thank Commissioner Hannen for his service," said Cranford Democratic Commitee Chair BJ Kowalski in April. "Now is the time to look to Cranford's future, and that is why Cranford Democrats are proud to support Kate Rappa."

More About The Cranford Committee Election

In Cranford, just one seat is open on the five-member Township Committee this November.

Cranford runs under the township form of government. After the members of the Township Committee are elected by the public in staggered years, they choose a mayor from among themselves each year. Committee seats last three years.

Regina Black submitted a candidate profile that can be found here.

READ MORE: 3 Cranford Candidates Vie For One Open Committee Seat

Cranford residents also were able to vote in the primaries on Tuesday for Republican or Democratic candidates for state Senate and Assembly in the 21st Legislative District.

For more details on the primary election, visit Vote.NJ.Gov.

To contribute candidate information, suggestions, and more, email: caren.lissner@patch.com.

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