Cape May County’s 2024 election results have reaffirmed the region’s Republican stronghold, with GOP candidates sweeping key races at all levels. Voter turnout was significant, with 53,151 ballots cast from the county’s 76,562 registered voters. Below are highlights from the results:

Presidential Election

Republican candidate Donald J. Trump captured 59% of the county’s votes, totaling 31,127 ballots, far outpacing Democratic candidate Kamala D. Harris, who secured 39% with 20,687 votes. Other candidates, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (1%) and Jill Stein (0%), garnered minimal support.

U.S. Senate Race

Republican Curtis Bashaw won decisively with 60% of the vote (29,914), defeating Democratic challenger Andy Kim, who earned 39% (19,206). Other candidates combined for less than 1% of the vote.

House of Representatives

Incumbent Republican Jeff Van Drew dominated the congressional race, earning 64% of the vote (32,269) over Democrat Joseph F. Salerno, who managed 36% (18,312). Write-ins accounted for just 28 votes.

Local Races

Republicans maintained their dominance across mayoral and council races:

• City of Cape May Mayor: Zachary Mullock won overwhelmingly with 98% of the vote (1,065). Write-ins accounted for 20 votes.
• City of Cape May Council: Stephen Bodnar led with 53% (623 votes), followed by Lori Schwartz (23%) and Mark DiSanto (12%).
• Stone Harbor Mayor: Timothy Carney narrowly edged out Robert Ross with 53% of the vote (251).
• Township of Lower Mayor: Frank Sippel won unopposed with 99% of the vote (8,312).
• North Wildwood 1st Ward Council: James Kane (REP) secured 73% of the vote against Maria Mattera (DEM), who earned 27%.

Board of County Commissioners

Leonard C. Desiderio (REP) was reelected with an overwhelming 99% of the vote (35,497). Write-ins accounted for just 368 votes.

Education Board Races

Several competitive Board of Education elections took place:

• Lower Cape May Regional Board of Education (Lower Township): Glenn Douglass led with 25% of the vote, followed by Roy Abrams Jr. (23%), Kelly Cronin (30%), and Violanda Adams (22%).
• Township of Dennis: A highly contested race saw Tami Kern (22%), Blaine Paynter (22%), and Steven Gurdgiel (22%) leading the pack.

Public Questions

In Woodbine Borough, voters overwhelmingly approved a public question with 81% voting “YES” (500 votes) and 19% voting “NO” (115 votes).

Takeaways

Cape May County remains a Republican stronghold, with the GOP achieving landslide victories in nearly all major contests. Voter turnout, though not record-breaking, was robust, reflecting strong civic engagement in this pivotal election year. These results reinforce the region’s Republican leaning and set the stage for continued GOP dominance in local governance.