HILLSDALE — One of the closest municipal races in the Pascack Valley appears to be settling as updated tallies show Democrat Christopher C. Camp and Republican Anthony J. DeRosa holding the top two spots for the two open Borough Council seats.
Although results will not be certified until next week, the DeRosa–Casale campaign announced Saturday morning, Nov. 16, that enough outstanding ballots had been counted to give them confidence “in saying that Anthony DeRosa and Chris Camp have prevailed.” If the numbers hold, the two will be sworn in at the borough’s January reorganization meeting.
The latest unofficial totals from the Bergen County Clerk show a classic split-ticket outcome in a race decided by razor-thin margins:
- Camp (D) — 2,433 (25.27%)
- DeRosa (R) — 2,428 (25.22%)
- Ianni (D) — 2,393 (24.85%)
- Casale (R) — 2,373 (24.65%)
Just 60 votes separate all four candidates out of 9,628 cast.
Camp, who had been leading the field by two votes on Election Night, struck a note of appreciation in a Nov. 5 Facebook post, thanking supporters. “I’m humbled and grateful to serve on council and represent our community,” he wrote. He also praised his running mate, Gabriella Ianni, saying her energy made “local politics both approachable and fun for all,” and that he hoped Hillsdale would “keep seeing her voice in our town.”
Ianni by Saturday finished 40 votes behind DeRosa as outstanding mail-in and provisional ballots narrowed the field.
A close, high-turnout contest
The race—vacated by outgoing Republican councilmembers Justin Fox and Janetta Trochimiuk—drew strong interest. All four candidates ran competitive, issues-focused campaigns touching on:
- fiscal stewardship and redevelopment oversight,
- improvements to Memorial Field,
- deer management approaches, and
- long-term planning tied to Hillsdale’s small-town character.
The narrow margins allowed for movement as the county processed provisional ballots and late-arriving mail-ins.
Certification still pending
Results remain unofficial until the Bergen County Board of Elections completes its canvass. County boards have until Nov. 10 to receive properly postmarked mail-in ballots, and voters have until Nov. 15 to cure signature or envelope defects. Certification is expected next week, with statewide certification scheduled for Dec. 4.
DeRosa’s post sparks community reaction
DeRosa’s victory post generated swift engagement on Facebook, with supporters emphasizing the race’s exceptionally small margins. “Perfect example for our kids around why every vote counts! One family could have swung the election results,” resident Joe Dargan commented. DeRosa replied, “Couldn’t be more true, Joe.”
Casale, who finished 55 votes behind DeRosa, added his congratulations, writing, “You are going to do great things for the town!” DeRosa responded, “Your time will come, Lou.”
Other commenters—including Prem Ramachandran, Tom Gilmour, and former congressional candidate Frank Pallotta—also offered congratulations.