Kemler defeats Republican challenger for another term as Mercer Sheriff

Democratic incumbent John Kemler will defeat Republican challenger Bryan Boccanfuso to win another term as Mercer County sheriff, the New Jersey Globe projects.

Freeholders John Cimino and Lucylle Walter were unopposed, as was County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello. All three are Democrats.

Mercer County has emerged as one of the state’s staunchest Democratic strongholds. There are barely any Republican officeholders who were elected in a partisan race remaining in the state.

Democrats also defeated a Republican councilman in Hightstown, ousting the last GOP elected official in the county.