Republicans take control of Belmar

Republicans swept Democratic incumbents in Belmar, ending the latter party’s control over the shore town of about 5,700.

Mark Walsifer scored an eight-point victory over interim Mayor Brian Magovern, beating the incumbent 1,393 votes to 1,186.

Republican Council candidate Patricia Wann beat Jennifer Nicolay 1,336 votes to 1,197, a six point victory.

James McCracken will serve the last year of an unexpired term on the Council after beating Mark Levis by six points. McCracken got 1,334 votes. Levis got 1,196.