While the world has been digesting and analyzing the presidential election, many here in Teaneck have been focused on the results of our local elections. The 2024 general elections concluded on November 5, and Teaneck’s voter turnout reached 68.23% with 22,079 votes cast. While this turnout marks a slight decrease from 2020, it’s worth noting that inaccuracies in voter rolls impacted this percentage, and the actual turnout percentage is likely significantly higher.

Town Council Election Results

Teaneck Council: Top Three Elected

Karen Orgen (Incumbent): 8,492 votes (18.31%)*

Mark J. Schwartz (Incumbent): 8,467 votes (18.25%)*

Michael Pagan (Incumbent): 6,683 votes (14.41%)*

Duane Harley: 6,484 votes (13.98%)

Reshma Khan: 6,469 votes (13.95%)

Ardie Walser: 5,935 votes (12.79%)

Chondra Young: 3,858 votes (8.32%)

41 resolved write-in votes were also received, including votes for Joshua Kahn, Chana Shields, Keith Kaplan and Peanut the Squirrel.

*elected

Reflections on the Town Council Race

In the Teaneck Town Council race, incumbents Karen Orgen and Mark J. Schwartz were re-elected by a margin of almost 2,000 votes over the candidate who won third place, Mayor Michael Pagan. This victory underscores the town’s trust in experienced leaders committed to addressing Teaneck’s core issues, from sustainable development to fiscal responsibility. It also demonstrates the power of the messaging in favor of Orgen and Schwartz, as well as the success of the many well-attended, diverse events Deputy Mayor Elie Y. Katz held for them in conjunction with other candidates.

BCJAC endorsed both Orgen and Schwartz, recognizing their steadfast commitment to key issues for Teaneck’s Jewish community and the wider township. Their support for responsible governance resonated with voters, evident in their lead in 10 out of Teaneck‘s 23 voting districts. BCJAC’s data-driven approach toward analyzing voter behavior and understanding community concerns made it clear that these candidates aligned with Teaneck’s values. Their positive campaign, aptly named “Real Experience, Real Results,” refrained from divisive tactics and instead highlighted meaningful discussions on policy—an approach that clearly resonated with voters. Indeed, Mayor Pagan and Chondra Young, to their credit, also insisted upon issues-based campaigns without using fear-based messaging.

While the “For the People” (FTP) slate also garnered strong support in certain districts, the electorate ultimately favored the incumbents, reinforcing a preference for seasoned leadership.

Board of Education Results

Teaneck Local BOE: Top Three Elected

Jennifer E. Levy: 9,583 votes (23.13%)*

Jonathan G. Rodriguez: 8,465 votes (20.43%)*

Nadia N. Hosein: 8,046 votes (19.42%)*

Seleene Raquel Wong: 7,991 votes (19.29%)

Kevin T. Gibbs: 7,347 votes (17.73%)

124 resolved write-in votes were also received

*elected

Reflections on the BOE Race

Jennifer Levy, one of BCJAC’s endorsed candidates for the Board of Education, was the top vote-getter, leading in nearly half of the township’s districts. Her commitment to inclusivity and quality education, as well as her practical ideas for the district’s future, won the confidence of Teaneck’s diverse community. Levy’s clear and thoughtful approach at public forums bolstered her appeal, especially among families who value her student-centered focus.

BCJAC also endorsed candidate Kevin Gibbs, who unfortunately came up short. Kevin’s record of public service and moderate, balanced approaches to the critical issues facing the community made him an excellent choice for the BOE. Kevin’s allyship towards our community would certainly have been welcome, and it would likely have improved the district for all its stakeholders. Gibbs is a fresh face in Teaneck politics; we hope to see many great things from him in the future.

Conclusion

BCJAC’s endorsement process was rooted in a thorough analysis of historical and current voter data, as well as extensive discussions with community members. Recognizing the concerns around antisemitism, sustainable development, and quality of life, BCJAC focused on promoting candidates who spoke to these issues without divisive rhetoric. The positive, clean campaign strategy employed by incumbents Schwartz, Orgen and Mayor Pagan (as well as candidate Chondra Young) contrasted sharply with the FTP slate, whose campaign was perceived by many as overly negative and lacking substance, particularly on policy issues that matter to the electorate like road maintenance, development and cannabis.

The results of this election reaffirm the Teaneck community’s desire for respectful, issue-based campaigns that prioritize constructive dialogue over polarization. BCJAC congratulates all the winners and looks forward to working with them to continue building a unified Teaneck, as well as to advance the shared goals of the Jewish community and all residents. Teaneck residents are lucky to have had several candidates who uphold these values and are committed to fostering a cooperative spirit in local governance.

Thank you to all who voted, volunteered and asked hard questions during this election; the whole town benefits from your continued and increased engagement. Together, the Jewish community is a powerful force in local politics, and our involvement is only just beginning!

Emma Horowitz is the president of the Bergen County Jewish Action Committee, as well as an English teacher at Ma’ayanot. She lives in Teaneck with her family, and she enjoys discussing literature, local politics, and her adorable dog, Gizmo.

Zachary Greenberg is a data analyst at Diversified Alternative Treatment Centers, the track coach for TABC, and the Keter Torah Teen Minyan Coordinator. To join in on Zack’s fun adventures, follow him @funzacktivities on Instagram!