Reed Gusciora, the 11 term Assembly pulled off what many considered to be an upset victory beating Paul Perez by 315 votes to become Trenton’s first openly gay Mayor.

When Gusciora announced his candidacy, many scoffed there would be no way he would make the run-off, let alone win!

“It was a street by street battle and it was a collective effort,” Gusciora said. “We worked with community groups, the seniors in the towers, everyone. It started as a more organic and grassroots effort and then turned into good old-fashioned electioneering” explained Gusciora after pulling of the upset.

Perez was the top vote-getter in the May 8th election, but Gusciora courted the support of the ” Democratic Establishment Machine” to help drag him over the finish line.

Turnout in the election dropped below the May 8th totals, but Gusciora was able to win the North and West Wards by enough to offset Perez’s latino voter strong holds in the South and the East.   The East under performed with voter turnout in the heavy Latino strong hold.

Council Run Off Wrap Up

North Ward Councilwoman Marge Caldwell Wilson dominated her opponent Algenon Ward to cruise to a close to 2 to victory for the incumbent.

Newcomer Robin Vaughn handily defeated incumbent Zachary Chester in the West Ward.

South Ward Councilman George Muschal cruised to victory over his “no-show” opponent Damien Malave.

In the East Ward, Joe Harrison holds a 3 vote lead over Ty Wilson in a close race that will most likely be decided in the cours.