BAYONNE - Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski became mayor of Bayonne tonight in a three-way tilt.

Formerly the Council President, Ashe-Nadrowski defeated Councilman Loyad Booker and City Business Administrator Mary Jane Desmond to avoid a runoff election.

Nadrowski made her way to the podium after her introduction as the "first women mayor of Bayonne."

As the crowd chanted her name, Nadrowski said simpy, "We outworked everyone."

She spoke about the administrations of the past, but quickly remarked:

"It's Team Sharon's time."

She then proclaimed:

"Let me tell you, we won't let you down."

The surprise here was not so much that Nadrowski won, but that her win in a 3-person race was so overwhelming.

Any talk of a runoff vanished as soon as the first cluster of votes were tabulated.

Elections are different here - meaning Hudson County.

On Election Day, there is much more visible activity on the streets. Supporters of each candidate position themselves as close to  polling places as the law allows and hand out leaflets to just about anyone passing by.

One man, a Loyad Booker supporter, said he was "dancing" all day. He meant distributing literature.

Unfortunately, there was no dancing for Team Booker tonight.

Photo credit: Daniel Ulloa

“I could not be more grateful to the people of Bayonne for supporting our team and giving us the opportunity to provide the leadership that our community deserves,” said Nadrowski. “I want to thank each and every voter who participated, my family and friends for all their help and support, our incredible campaign team and everyone who stepped up to run in this election. Our team made a promise to the people of Bayonne to deliver the local government they deserve, and we intend to live up to it.”

Team Sharon City Council candidates are also currently leading in each of the city’s downballot races. At-Large candidates Mark Bottino and Mariam Salama have also won on the first ballot, as will First Ward Council candidate Gene Perry. Second Ward candidate Melissa Godesky-Rodriguez and Third Ward candidate Tommy Gillen are also currently in the lead in their respective races.

Nadrowski announced her campaign for Mayor in December and since then built a people-powered movement for change, transparency, ethical government and a more affordable city. Her message resonated across the city, with voters recognizing her deep commitment to honest government and her vision for making Bayonne a better place for all residents.