Democrats win mayor's office and council seats
Fontanez received nearly 60 percent of the vote, compared with less than 30 percent for Bianchini. New Jersey Globe reported unofficial totals of 3,998 votes for Fontanez and 1,983 for the incumbent.
Democrats also swept the council races, with Frank Dickey, Debra Kauffman and Jason Allen winning seats, according to New Jersey Globe.
In a message early Thursday, Bianchini thanked his family, campaign team and supporters and congratulated Fontanez. "The voters of Pemberton Township have spoken, and the results are clear. I offer Belinda Fontanez my sincere congratulations on her victory," he wrote.
He pledged his "full support for a smooth transition" and said the township's success "matters far more than any single election." Fox Wilmington (Fox News Digital) reported that he will serve through the end of 2026.
The October confrontation
The October 21 encounter began as former township Community Development Director Kenneth Gerber and his attorney challenged Gerber's recent firing before the council, according to NJ.com. During the meeting, Bianchini charged toward a resident, telling him, "I am f******* getting you." He had to be physically restrained.
Bianchini subsequently defended his conduct on Facebook. "I will not apologize for my actions last night. If you attack my family, as that resident did last night, I will act," he wrote, according to Fox Wilmington, citing the New York Post.
An earlier council meeting had also involved an angry exchange. NJ.com, citing the Pine Barrens Tribune, reported that Bianchini told Councilman Joshua Ward to "shut the f--- up" in May 2026.
Leadership changes and a charter review
Bianchini entered the mayor's office by appointment in January 2026 and was running for his first full term, according to New Jersey Globe. His predecessor, Jack Tompkins, had resigned in December 2025 following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, NJ.com reported.
Fontanez previously worked for the township and was one of the employees who sued over Tompkins' alleged conduct.
Voters also approved a November 3 ballot question calling for a charter commission, according to NJ.com. The commission is to examine possible changes to the township's government structure, including how it could function without a designated mayor.
