Bernards Township Primary Election 2026: Joan M. Bannan

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Bernards' primary election on June 2 has five candidates running for two open seats on the Township Committee.

Joan M. Bannan is one of two Democratic candidates running in the primary. Bannan is running with Ana Duarte McCarthy.

Additionally, there are three Republican candidates, Paul Humbert and Vanathi Raghupathy, who are running together, and Kirsten Light are also running in the primary.

All of the candidates are running for the two, three-year seats on the township committee.

Are you running for office in Basking Ridge? Contact Alexis Tarrazi at alexis.tarrazi@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Basking Ridge Patch.

Joan M. Bannan

Age: 66

Town of residence: Basking Ridge, NJ

Position sought: Township Committee Person

Party affiliation: Democratic

Family: Mother of four adult children John, Kaitlin, Samantha and Michael; grandmother (Lola) of three grandchildren Gus, Sully, and Josie

Education: Seton Hall University – BS in Economics; Seton Hall University School of Law – JD

Occupation: Counsel with Porzio Bromberg & Newman, PC

Previous or current elected appointed office: Bernards Township Committee, elected November 2018; served a three-year term from 2019 to 202. Presently, appointed as a member of the Planning Board.

Prior Appointments

• Board of Health – 2015 - 2021
• Municipal Alliance – 2017 - 2021- lead efforts For Bernard Township to become a Stigma Free Town
• Sewerage Authority – 2019 - 2021
• DPW & Engineering Subcommittee – 2019 - 2021
• Environmental Commission – 2005 -2006; 2019 - 2021
• Green team – 2019 -2021
• Community Service – 2019
• Golf Advisory Committee – 2019
• Insurance Fund Committee – 2019 - 2020
• Planning Board – 2019 - 2020; 2026
• Liaison Friends of Kennedy-Martin-Steele Farmstead – 2019
• Parks, Pathways & Recreation – 2019
• Communications task Force – 2019
• Vision 2020/Planning for the Future task Force – 2019
• D&I Committee - 2021

Campaign website: btdems.org/mccarthybannan

Why are you seeking re-election to the Township Committee?

I am seeking election because I valued my previous term as a committeeperson and believe deeply in volunteering and serving my community. I rejoined the Planning Board this year
after having served in 2019 and 2020. As I pulled into the parking space behind Town Hall for my first meeting back, I realized how much I missed being there. We are fortunate to live in Bernards Township, blessed with outstanding municipal professionals and dedicated volunteers. I am excited to have the opportunity to run again.

One issue that drove me to run before—and motivates me today—is my belief that divisive partisan politics, whether local or national, does not lead to the best decisions and
discourages participation in government. It also divides people, sometimes even within the same political party. We must show the next generation of leaders in our community that robust, respectful, and civil discussions of opposing views are not only possible but can lead to the best solutions.

What issues do you feel need to be tackled in the Township?

With rising healthcare costs and inflation, keeping tax increases to a minimum will be an ongoing priority. My experience as a former committeeperson has prepared me well for this task. Working with my colleagues, I helped achieve significant savings by entering into a shared-service agreement with nearby towns for a municipal court. At budget hearings, I often advocated for the deepest cuts—despite what some may tell you about “tax and spend” Democrats. Significantly, with the guidance of our professional staff, we kept Bernards debt-free. I hope to continue the current Township Committee’s efforts to pursue grant revenue and find other ways to be fiscally responsible.

Public safety has always been a concern and will continue to be one. Pedestrian, bicycle, and motor vehicle safety deserve our attention and commitment. The Ride Wise program, which focuses on public safety and educational initiatives, is already underway. This sustained attention to safety is how Bernards Township consistently ranks as one of the safest communities in New Jersey. As a former Assistant Prosecutor, I understand the critical role our Police Department plays in keeping us safe. I believe it is important to support the Department, which time and again demonstrates its commitment to serve and protect.
Land use is another area of importance. I want to ensure that development remains thoughtful and sustainable. Proactive e[orts to plan, rather than the wringing of hands or playing the blame game, will help preserve the character and charm of our community.

Finally, maintaining and improving inclusion for all our residents is an important goal. The reintroduction of the second public comment period—first implemented in 2019 when I joined the Committee—has thankfully returned, demonstrating a commitment to keeping the doors of Town Hall open and the voices of our community heard.

Is there anything you would like to share about yourself or your campaign?

During my prior tenure on the Committee, despite being the lone Democrat, I was appointed to serve on several municipal boards and committees. This experience uniquely qualifies me
to hit the ground running. The same can be said for my running mate, Mayor Ana Duarte McCarthy, who has served two terms as a committeeperson and is nearly halfway through her term as Mayor. What Ana and I bring to Bernards Township is simple: experience, service, integrity, and a commitment to every resident.

Together, we can keep Bernards a thriving community that is ready for the future and prepared to meet whatever challenges come our way.