Update: Griffiths Beats Out Incumbent, Democrats Fill Freehold Borough Council

This story was updated on Wednesday with comments from Griffiths and Newman.

In 2013, the Freehold Borough Council will seat all Democrats.

Unofficial results from the Freehold Borough Clerk’s office show that residents re-elected Freehold Borough Council President Sharon Shutzer and brought Ron Griffiths aboard. Griffiths beat out incumbent John Newman, the sole Republican on the Council.

"Frankly, I was surprised by the amount of votes we [Democrats] received," said Griffiths. He continued by saying "I am looking forward to bringing new ideas forward and becoming a more efficient governing body."

The unofficial results were as follows: Shutzer brought in the most votes in Freehold Borough with a total of 220. Griffiths had a total of 200 votes. MaryAnn Earle had 146, followed by Newman who brought in 138 votes.

On Wednesday Newman explained that he plans on staying involved in Freehold Borough even though he will not return to the Council.

"I talked to Nolan before the election about the possibility of this outcome and I discussed with him that I still want to be involved and finish projects that I have started," said Newman. "Congratulations to Ron and Sharon. I have had the pleasure of working with Sharon and I know that she and Ron are both very dedicated to this town and will do a great job."