Somerset Dems celebrate Murphy aide’s win in Green Brook

Matt Stanisci is a familiar face in Trenton, where he works for Gov. Phil Murphy.

Now he’s an elected official in Somerset County.

Stanisci  finished first in a race for two township committee seats there, running three votes ahead of Republican Deputy Mayor James Benscoter, 2,134-2,131.

“I am so incredibly appreciative and humbled by all of the support that I received from so many residents here in town and am extremely grateful to those who entrusted me to give back to the town which has given so much to me,” Stanisci said. “I want to first thank Somerset County Democratic Chairwoman Peg Schaffer and Somerset County Freeholder Melonie Marano for their support and belief in me as a candidate.”

The committeeman-elect also thanked his campaign managers, Dante Colucci and Robert Field.

Republican incumbent Francis Gaffney ran in third with 2,096 votes. Bryan Murdock, the Democrats’ running mate, received 2,082 votes.

Stanisci will be the first member of his party to hold a seat since 2014, when Republicans took full control in  Green Brook.

“I’ve known Matty for more than 15 years, and he is as committed to the future of Green Brook as anyone I’ve ever known,” said Marano. “The residents of Green Brook are lucky to have him representing them on the Committee, and we look to give him some Democratic company in 2021.”

His bid received some aid from the state’s top Democrat. Murphy made calls into Green Brook boosting his campaign.

“Green Brook is a sign of how Democrats are making great changes in Somerset County that help all the residents,” Schaffer said. “With Democrats representing us at the federal, state, county, and local level we are poised to provide the support and resources our constituents need in these difficult times.”