Iannarone Concedes 2025 Brick Mayoral Race

Two weeks after voting concluded, final results have confirmed that incumbent Democrat Mayor Lisa Crate has won a full term in office, leading challenger Madeline Iannarone to formally concede.

Brick residents split their vote in 2025, electing three Republicans to the township council, but leaving the mayor’s seat in the hands of Crate. Iannarone, the Republican candidate, waited on the processing of mail-in and provisional ballots to concede, issuing a letter on Monday through the party organization. Iannarone congratulated Crate, but expressed dismay over what she saw as unfair characterizations over her stands on some issues by way of campaign ads and rhetoric.

“Unfortunately, this campaign was marked by misleading information, particularly about my positions on housing and overdevelopment,” the letter stated. “My record has always been rooted in protecting Brick’s character, ensuring responsible growth, and preserving the quality of life that makes this town special. Many of the political mailers distributed throughout this race contained distortions and inaccuracies. I encourage residents to fact-check such claims and not assume they are truthful simply because they appear in print.”

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According to the Ocean County Clerk’s office, Iannarone received 16,649 votes compared to Crate’s 17,071, a difference of 422 votes, a margin of just slightly over 1 percent. Crate, who was appointed to fill the seat of former Mayor John Ducey after Ducey was appointed a Superior Court judge, first won an election to fill out Ducey’s unexpired term. The 2025 vote will see Crate lead the township for four years in her first full time.

Though Republicans swept the council races, the Democrats will continue to enjoy a single-seat majority on the governing body, clearing the way for Crate to make appointments under advice and consent rules. The GOP’s council candidates – incumbent Perry Albanese and newcomers Lisa Reina and Greg Cohen – won decisive victories over their rivals. Incumbent Democratic Councilwoman Heather de Jong, who previously served as council president, was the only elected official ousted in the 2025 race.

The council ticket thanked Iannarone for her service in the campaign.

“She made this mayoral race the closest Brick has seen in many years and inspired thousands with her focus on protecting taxpayers and preserving Brick’s character,” a separate statement said.