Freehold Borough Council Election 2026: Autumn Nonnenmacher

FREEHOLD BOROUGH, NJ — Candidate Autumn Nonnenmacher is running for election to the Borough Council in the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

In November, Nonnenmacher (R) will run for one of two open full-term seats on the council alongside running-mate Sara Razi (R).

Nonnenmacher and Razi will run against incumbents Michael DiBenedetto (D) and Jeffrey Friedman (D).

Ahead of the election, Patch posed several questions to Nonnenmacher about her campaign platform, experience and what sets her apart from other candidates running. Her replies are below.

Editor’s Note: The following article contains information about one of the candidates running for the Freehold Borough Council in 2026. Responses are written as received by Patch and only edited for style.

Patch has contacted all other candidates in this race with the same questions and will post replies as they are received.

Are you running for election in Freehold? Contact Sara Winick at sara.winick@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Patch.

Autumn Nonnenmacher

Age: 52
Town of Residence: Freehold Borough
Education: BA History / BA Elementary Education, New Jersey City University
Occupation: 5th Grade Teacher; Emergency Management / Technical Rescue Volunteer

What drove you to seek public office?

I am running because I care about Freehold Borough and where it is headed.

After 20 years here, raising four children and watching our community change, I believe residents deserve people on Council who will ask questions, listen to them, and focus on solving problems instead of politics.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I am not a career politician. I am a teacher, mother, and first responder who is used to preparing, solving problems, and being accountable.

I am willing to ask the tough questions and look for practical solutions, even when that means challenging the status quo.

What are past accomplishments or experiences that make you qualified for this position?

I have spent my career as an educator and am also involved with the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office OEM/CERT and volunteer with Neptune Township Special Operations Rescue.

My emergency management and rescue experience has taught me to stay calm, communicate, work as a team, and solve problems when it matters most. I would bring that same approach to Borough government.

If elected, what will be your top priorities in your new role?

Responsible financial management, infrastructure and roads, effective code enforcement, public safety, and most importantly, transparency.

I want the Borough to be proactive instead of constantly reacting to problems after they become more expensive and difficult to fix.

Name one thing about Freehold Borough that always makes you smile.

Freehold Borough’s history. Knowing that our community played a role in the American Revolution and that many of our historic buildings are still standing is something I really value.

These buildings are part of our identity, and I believe we have a responsibility to preserve the ones that can be saved so future generations can experience the history that makes Freehold special.