MAYS LANDING — Republican candidates swept races for county and state government in Atlantic County on Nov. 7, taking over the Sheriff’s Office that had been in the hands of Democrats for six years.
Egg Harbor Township resident Joe O’Donoghue defeated Sheriff Eric Scheffler of Northfield 28,857 to 25,936, or 53 percent to 47 percent.
O’Donoghue has more than 40 years of law enforcement experience, having served as a sergeant with the state Superior Court and 18 years with the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office. He also has held leadership positions in several police unions including PBA Locals 77 and 243 in Atlantic County.
State Sen. Vince Polistina of Egg Harbor Township defeated challenger Caren Fitzpatrick of Linwood, who currently serves on the Atlantic County Board of Commissioners. Polistina collected 23,733 votes to Fitzpatrick’s 19,615, or 53 percent to 44 percent. Independent Shawn Peck garnered 1,363 votes for 3 percent.
Polistina previously served in the Assembly from 2008-12. Prior to that, he served as a member of the Atlantic County Republican Campaign Committee and as chairman of the Atlantic County Republican Finance Committee.
Assembly members Don Guardian and Claire Swift defeated challengers Lisa Bender of Somers Point and Alphonso Harrell of Egg Harbor Township. Guardian garnered 25,795, Swift 24,658, Bender 19,136 and Harrell 18,459.
Linwood resident Dennis Levinson won re-election as county executive, defeating challenger Joyce Pratt 33,100 votes to 21,265, or 61 percent to 39 percent.
Linwood Councilwoman June Byrnes won a seat on the Board of Commissioners along with running mate John Risley, an incumbent. They defeated Kim O’Brien of Somers Point and Habib Rehman of Egg Harbor Township. Risley collected the most votes with 31,429, Byrnes was second with 31,052, O’Brien was third with 23,228 and Rehman fourth with 21,542.
Byrnes, a real estate agent, ran unopposed for her Ward I seat in 2018 and was re-elected unopposed in 2021. City Council will appoint her replacement.
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff