At a victory party at the Lincroft Inn on election night, Deputy Mayor Stephen Massell said he was "honored" by the support he received from voters at the polls. 

Massell won 13,926 votes. Baum had 9,139.  

He said that people recognized he had the Middletown's best interests at heart. Together, with Mayor Anthony Fiore and the other three Republican Party members, Massell said their teamwork produced a municipal budget that did not exceed the state-imposed two percent cap, salavaged the swim club and is encouraging new restaurants and medical facilities to move into town. 

He acknowledged his challenger by saying, "I have a lot of respect for anyone who runs for public office, and I give her credit for running. She ran a good fight." 

Baum, reached after a gathering of Democrats at the American Legion Hall in Leonardo, released this statement after a very long campaign. 

"I wish to express my gratitude to everyone who supported my candidacy and devoted time & energy to my campaign. Though I was not successful this time around, I will remain active in local government as a member of the public and will continue to participate in all the ways I have been to increase transparency for residents."