Jamesburg NJ names longtime GOP operative as new mayor

JAMESBURG – The city council has elected a new mayor following the resignation of Mayor Thomas Gibbons.

Shannon Spillane, 52, the second woman to hold the position, was named interim mayor on Nov. 25.

Spillane, a Republican, will serve as mayor until a successor is elected in the November 2025 general election, according to the resolution adopted by the council.

Councilman Brian Taylor was the only one to vote no. Councilor Bertin Lefkovic was not present at the meeting.

Gibbons resigned for health reasons on November 8, a year after his election.

Council President Thomas Emens was briefly acting mayor until a successor was appointed.

The Republican Committee submitted the names of three candidates to the council for consideration. In addition to Spillane, Louie Hornberger and Michelle Scott were other candidates.

“I’ve sat through so many council and committee meetings, but that doesn’t really prepare you for the gavel,” Spillane said. “With this in mind, I am blessed to have so many supportive and knowledgeable friends and colleagues to accompany me on this journey. Honestly, it’s a little intimidating, but in an exciting way. I accept this new challenge!”