Freehold Borough Council Election 2026: Sara Razi

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

In November, Razi (R) will run for one of two open full-term seats on the council alongside fellow Republican candidate Autumn Nonnenmacher (R).

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

Ahead of the election, Patch posed several questions to Razi 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.

Sara Razi

Age: 26
Town of Residence: Freehold Borough
Education: Freehold Intermediate School (2014); Freehold Borough High School (2018); Rutgers University (2023)
Occupation: Real Estate Agent & Developer

What drove you to seek public office?

I am a lifelong resident of Freehold Borough, and this community has shaped who I am. I grew up here, attended our local schools, and have watched our borough change over the years. I decided to seek public office because I want to give back to the community that has given me so much and bring a fresh perspective to local government.

I believe local government should be transparent, accountable, and responsive to the people it serves. Residents deserve to understand the decisions being made on their behalf and to know that their concerns are being heard. I want to help ensure that Freehold Borough continues to grow responsibly while preserving the hometown character that makes it special for families, longtime residents, and future generations.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

As a 26-year-old lifelong resident of Freehold Borough, I bring both a personal connection to our community and the perspective of a young professional invested in its future. Having grown up here and attended our local schools, I understand the importance of preserving what makes Freehold special while addressing the practical challenges residents face today.

My experience in real estate and development, along with my previous work as a real estate and immigration paralegal, has taught me to pay attention to detail, navigate complex processes, and listen carefully to people's concerns. I believe these skills are important in local government, where decisions about spending, infrastructure, and development can directly affect residents' everyday lives.

Above all, I want to represent the entire borough fairly. Every neighborhood and every resident deserves to be heard, and I believe local government should focus on practical solutions rather than overlooking the concerns of any part of our community.

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

My education at Rutgers University and my professional experience in real estate, development, and paralegal work have helped prepare me to approach complex issues thoughtfully and responsibly.

As a real estate and immigration paralegal, I helped people navigate complicated systems and processes that could have a significant impact on their lives. That experience taught me the importance of being thorough, organized, and attentive to details while understanding the individual circumstances behind each situation.

My work in real estate and development has further strengthened my understanding of property-related matters and the importance of careful decision-making. These experiences have taught me to ask questions, consider different perspectives, and look closely at the details before reaching conclusions. I would bring that same approach to public service, with a focus on making informed decisions that benefit Freehold Borough and its residents.

During my time at Rutgers University, I organized student-led meetings by creating a coalition of students from all political ideologies and backgrounds to push for medical freedom and bodily autonomy during the COVID-19 era. I formed a coalition of 75-100 Rutgers University students from liberal to moderate to conservative to create a safe haven for students from the transition from online to in-person classes. My ability to work with individuals regardless of political ideology proves that I am willing to work with the council and mayor, once elected.

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

My top priorities would be reforming our Parking Enforcement, introducing a resolution to repeal the state gas tax escalator, ending reckless spending, fair treatment of residents, and protecting the quality of life by maintaining constant tests for our water quality throughout Freehold Borough.

I believe residents deserve a clear understanding of how their tax dollars are being spent. Municipal spending and borrowing decisions should be carefully evaluated, with an emphasis on accountability, long-term planning, and responsible stewardship of public funds.

I would also focus on practical issues that affect residents every day, including infrastructure, parking, and making Borough Hall more convenient and accessible. These may seem like everyday concerns, but they have a real impact on people's lives and their experience of living in our community.

Equally important is making sure that every part of Freehold Borough receives attention. Our residential neighborhoods, streets, parks, and infrastructure deserve the same consideration as our downtown. I want to help ensure that municipal services and improvements reflect the needs of the entire borough, so residents feel that their concerns matter regardless of where they live.

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

The sense of community is what makes Freehold Borough special to me. I love seeing residents, families, and local businesses come together and contribute to the place we all call home.

Having grown up here, I appreciate the relationships, traditions, and hometown character that make Freehold more than just a place to live. Those connections are worth preserving, even as our community continues to change. They are also part of why I want to serve: I care about the people who make Freehold Borough special, and I want to help ensure that it remains a community where families can feel connected, residents are heard, and future generations can build their own roots.