Democrat mayor, entire New Jersey township council switch parties, from Democrat to Republican

The mayor and all four council members in New Jersey's East Hanover township are switching from the Democrat to Republican Party, in a move they say is in the "best interest of the community."

The township has a population of about 11,100.

"Municipal leaders have a responsibility to best represent their constituents, and it is our belief this change of party is in the best interest of the community," Mayor Joseph Pannullo said Tuesday, according to The New Jersey Globe.

"As the nastiness, rhetoric, and social media vitriol of national politics continues to infiltrate local governance, we collectively determined this was the best course of action to keep the focus on local issues impacting our community."

Hanover Mayor Ace Gallagher convinced the five East Hanover Democrats to become Republicans, says Morris County GOP Chairwoman Laura Marie Ali.

Democrats have dominated the local government of East Hanover, but in recent state and national elections, the town has supported Republicans, including voting for former President Donald Trump by 66% in 2020.