Traphagen will seek re-election to Clinton post

Republican Ross Traphagen will seek re-election to a third term on the Clinton Town Council this year, ending speculation that he’ll seek a rematch of his 2023 campaign for the State Assembly.

“With the birth of my daughter in February of this past year, ensuring she gets to enjoy the same small-town experience I did is critically important to me,” said Traphagen.  “It is with that in mind that I am ready to continue working for every family across our town.”

Traphagen ran for the Assembly in the 16th legislative district two cycles ago but lost to Democrats Roy Freiman (D-Hillsborough) and Mitchelle Drulis (D-Raritan) by 7,895 votes.

The 16th has turned blue over the last ten years, starting now-State Sen. Andrew Zwicker (D-South Brunswick) ousting GOP Assemblywoman Donna Simon (R-Readington) by 78 votes in 2015, four years after Democratic strongholds of Princeton and South Brunswick replaced staunchly Republican Bridgewater after redistricting in 2011.

This district was represented for six years by Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R-Somerville).  Ciattarelli was re-elected by 534 votes in 2015 and gave up his seat to launch his first gubernatorial bid in 2017.  In 2021, Gov. Phil Murphy carried the 16th by five percentage points against Ciattarelli.

Last year, Kamala Harris took District 16 by fourteen points against Donald Trump; Joe Biden won the 16th by 22 points in 2020.

Traphagen touted his support for fiscal responsibility, improving the business community, and preserving Clinton’s historic character.

“No matter the partisan makeup of the council, I promise to work with anyone and everyone who wants to keep making Clinton a great place to live,” said Traphagen. “That’s what makes this place so special, it doesn’t matter your party label, how old or young you are, or how long you’ve lived here – we are all a part of one Clinton family.”