In a closely contested election in Dover, New Jersey, incumbent Mayor James Dodd emerged as the winner, beating his opponent, Alderman Carlos Valencia, by a slim margin. The election was held on November 2, 2021, and the results were announced on November 3.
Dodd, who has been the mayor of Dover since 2015, won by a margin of just 72 votes, with a total of 1,773 votes in his favor. Valencia received 1,701 votes. The election was marked by a high voter turnout, with over 3,500 registered voters casting their ballots.
Dodd’s victory was seen as a surprise by many political analysts, who had predicted a close race between the two candidates. Valencia had mounted a strong challenge to Dodd’s incumbency, highlighting issues such as rising property taxes and the need for better infrastructure in the town.
However, Dodd’s campaign focused on his record as mayor, highlighting his efforts to revitalize the town’s downtown area and attract new businesses to the area. He also emphasized his commitment to public safety and his efforts to improve the town’s schools.
Dodd’s victory was welcomed by many residents of Dover, who praised his leadership and his efforts to improve the town. In a statement after the election results were announced, Dodd thanked his supporters and pledged to continue working for the betterment of Dover.
“I am humbled and grateful for the support of the people of Dover,” Dodd said. “I will continue to work tirelessly to make our town a better place to live, work, and raise a family.”
The election in Dover was closely watched by political observers across New Jersey, as it was seen as a bellwether for the upcoming gubernatorial election in 2021. The victory for Dodd is expected to boost the prospects of the Democratic Party in the state, which is hoping to retain control of the governorship.
Overall, the election in Dover was a closely contested and hard-fought battle between two strong candidates. Dodd’s victory is a testament to his leadership and his commitment to the people of Dover, and it is sure to have a significant impact on the political landscape of New Jersey in the coming months.
