GARWOOD—In Tuesday night’s election results, Councilman Sean Foley is projected to win his re-election, leading with 1,237 votes to Councilwoman Kimberly Salmons’ 1,194. Running mate Chase Padusinak is in a tight race with Republican candidate Laura Spina-Thompson, with four votes separating them. Padusinak holds 1,212 votes, and Spina-Thompson holds 1,208.

“I’m at a loss for words; it takes a team, and I could not have done this without a team,” said Councilman Foley after the announcement of his projected win during the Garwood Democrat Party election night party held at The Station Bar & Grill.

“I could not have done this without a team. I think today, more than ever, all we hear is a lot of noise, a lot of words that don’t follow action, and I know our team would walk farther, knock on more doors, and I feel like most in the state and in the county. We didn’t just use words we put in in action,” he added.

Councilman Foley also thanked his wife, Lina, for being by his side during the process. He added that this campaign was entirely focused on the residents of Garwood and the community and worked hard to focus on a basic human leader approach and actions, not words.

“I think our campaign really succeeded in that, and I look forward to the next three years, working alongside the residents, helping and assisting and working to benefit the welfare of this town,” said Councilman Foley.

He also thanked his opponent, Councilwoman Salmon, who served as councilwoman for three years.

“It’s not an easy job; she’s a mother of two. I’m grateful for her, all her sacrifice and volunteerism in this role,” he said.

While there is still a close call between Mr. Padusinak and Mrs.

Spina-Thompson, Mr. Padusinak thanked his wife, Gabby, and everyone who campaigned with him during the election night party.

“We’ll see what happens but it’s meant the world to me to have your support,” he said. “ I can’t thank you enough, and let’s do this.”

Mr.Padusinak also thanked his opponents for their good work and praised the residents of Garwood for “pushing Garwood into the future.”

“I’m from here, and I care about the community. I was born and raised here, and it’s my town,” he said.

Republican candidates Councilwoman Salmon and Mrs. Spina-Thompson did not respond to comment about the expected election results.

According to information provided by the Union County Clerk’s office, there were no outstanding machine ballots left to be tallied in Garwood as of the date of publication. Vote -bymail ballots that were postmarked by Election Day, however, will continue to be counted for several days.

In the Garwood Board of Education race, where five candidates were vying for three seats the votes went to Tracey McCarrick (1,162), Michael Sasjack (946) and current board president April Farrell (828). Salvatore Piarulli lost his bid for reelection receiving 690 votes along with his running mate Vincent Fumero who received 783 votes.

On Wednesday, Mr. Piarulli advised residents via social media to “do yourselves a favor and home school [your children].”