Republicans Trevor Izzo and Eric Rhoades won the two open seats on the Readington Township Committee, defeating Democratic challengers Rene Rao and Dale Hwang and maintaining Republican control of the governing body.
Izzo received 3,914 votes, while Rhoades received 3,853. Rao received 3,671 votes, and Hwang received 3,553.
The Republican ticket emerged from a contentious primary that exposed divisions within the local party. The county Republican organization backed Izzo and Rhoades, while a more conservative faction supported Jon Kowal and Lisa Routel. Izzo secured the top position comfortably, while Rhoades edged Kowal by just four votes after a recount. Routel received 91 write-in votes on Tuesday, with another 743 write-ins not yet assigned to a candidate.
The two Republicans succeeded Committee members John Albanese and Jonathan Heller, who did not seek re-election. Albanese pleaded guilty earlier this year to creating a public nuisance after admitting he stole campaign signs during the 2024 Republican primary. The plea agreement allowed him to avoid a criminal conviction.
The victories preserve Republican control of all five seats on the Township Committee.
Readington remains a Republican-leaning municipality. Donald Trump carried the township by 15 points in 2024, while Jack Ciattarelli defeated Gov. Mikie Sherrill there by 14 points in 2025.