The 2025 election for Hillsborough Township Committee will feature two candidates competing for one open seat. The seat, currently held by Republican Mayor John Ciccarelli, is a three-year term. On Monday, the deadline for filing petitions passed, and only two candidates officially entered the race—Republican incumbent John Ciccarelli and Democrat Jill Gomez.
The primary election will be held on June 10. Since each party has only one candidate, both Ciccarelli and Gomez are expected to move on to the general election on November 4.
Mayor John Ciccarelli is running for re-election with the full support of the Hillsborough Republican District Committee, which voted unanimously to endorse him. Ciccarelli has served on the Hillsborough Township Committee since being elected in November 2022 and currently holds the position of mayor.
He is a civil engineer by training, holding a degree from Delaware University and an MBA from Rutgers University. Ciccarelli has served on national engineering boards and testified as an expert witness in court cases across the country. In Hillsborough, he has served on the Planning Board for five years and was previously president of the Hillsborough Soccer Association.
Ciccarelli and his wife Kim have lived in Hillsborough for over 20 years. They have two daughters, Alexa and Sydney. During his time in office, he has focused on improving local services, supporting public safety, and promoting economic development. He also worked on expanding parks and recreational spaces.
He is campaigning on a plan to keep Hillsborough a safe, strong, and family-friendly community. He says his goals include maintaining fiscal responsibility, handling the next round of state-mandated affordable housing plans, and preparing the township for future growth. His fellow committee members have expressed support for his efforts.
Committeeman Shawn Lipani pointed out his work on infrastructure and safety, and Committeeman Robert Britting praised Ciccarelli’s strong support for the local police. Committeewoman Catherine Payne said his engineering background and planning experience will be useful in managing new housing requirements from the state.
On the Democratic side, Jill Gomez has entered the race as the endorsed candidate of the Hillsborough Democratic Organization. Gomez is a long-time Hillsborough resident and active community member. She has lived in different parts of the country, which she says has helped her understand how different towns face challenges and solve problems.
Gomez says she is running to help bring practical solutions and new ideas to the Township Committee. She believes working with local government, residents, and businesses is key to building a stronger community. Her campaign focuses on listening to residents, addressing their concerns, and encouraging teamwork and transparency in local decision-making.
The chair of the Hillsborough Democratic Organization, Michele Kidd, praised Gomez for her energy and readiness to lead. Committeewoman Samantha Hand also showed strong support, describing Gomez as a reliable teammate and someone who will represent residents well if elected.
