Fuentes, Raitzik win GOP primary in Lakewood

Incumbent Deborah Fuentes and Moshe Raitzik, a fire commissioner and former school board member, have won the Republican primary for Township Committee in Lakewood, defeating activist Aaron Hirsch. Fuentes and Raitzik had secured the support of the influential Lakewood Vaad, a group that represents a broad coalition of Orthodox Jewish leaders throughout Lakewood.

Support in the primary is not always a guarantee of support in the general election, however. In general elections, the Vaad has often supported Fuentes and incumbent Democratic Mayor Ray Coles.

Raitzik was the top vote-getter with 2,067 votes, followed by Fuentes with 1,627 votes. Hirsh received 962 votes. 

Lakewood has typically been a Republican stronghold in presidential elections, but the Vaad has a history of backing Democrats for municipal office.