Morganne Dudzinski On Why She's Running For Middletown Township Committee

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — There will be a primary election June 2 in Middletown.

On that date, voters will choose two candidates from the Democrat and Republican parties to run for two seats on the Middletown Twp. Committee later this year. The two Democrats running are Shawn Wallach and Jeremy Seideman. Both ran for Middletown Twp. Committee in 2025.

However, the Republican primary is a competitive primary. Three Republicans are running: Current Middletown Committeeman Ryan Clarke, Morganne Dudzinski and Middletown school board member Mark Soporowski.

Voters will be asked to choose two.

Since it is a competitive race, Patch asked all three Republican candidates to introduce themselves to voters and say why they want to be elected to the Middletown Township Committee. Currently, all the members of the Middletown Twp. Committee are Republican and it has been that way for more than a decade now.

About Dudzinski:

She and her husband live in Middletown, where they are raising three children, one enrolled in Middletown public schools and the other two are ages 3 and 1. Dudzinski has more than a decade of experience working in state government: She used to work as the director of constituent affairs for former state Sen. Jen Beck, a Republican lawmaker who represented Monmouth County in the Statehouse from 2012 to 2018. (State Sen. Vin Gopal beat her in the 2017 election and now holds that seat.)

Dudzinski is currently a commissioner on the Middletown Housing Authority and is a government affairs community advisor for 180 Turning Lives Around. She currently works as the associate director at the New Jersey Association of State Colleges and Universities, where she advocates for the state’s senior public colleges. She is a former Division I student-athlete at Monmouth University.

Dudzinski says:

"My priorities for Middletown are shaped by both my professional experience in public policy and my day-to-day life as a mom raising three young children here.

Through my work in government — including serving for former Republican state Senator Jennifer Beck — I’ve gained firsthand experience navigating complex policy issues, working with residents and advancing practical solutions focused on fiscal responsibility, affordability and government accountability.

Senator Beck was a strong advocate for protecting taxpayers, controlling property taxes, and promoting responsible government spending, and those same principles continue to guide my approach to public service today. My experience has given me the knowledge and ability to deliver results and apply those skills at the local level to help keep Middletown moving in the right direction. Like so many families, my husband and I are deeply invested in making sure Middletown remains a safe, affordable, and welcoming place to raise a family and build a future.

One of my top priorities is protecting taxpayers and making sure we continue to use taxpayer dollars wisely and responsibly. Families are feeling the pressure of rising costs in every part of their lives, and local government has a responsibility to be disciplined, efficient and focused on delivering real value for residents. Middletown has earned a reputation throughout New Jersey as one of the best-run communities in the state, and I believe it is critical that we continue that legacy through smart budgeting, careful planning, and a commitment to keeping municipal taxes under control while maintaining the high-quality services residents expect.

I also want to stay focused on the local issues that matter most to Middletown residents. People care about safe neighborhoods, reliable infrastructure, responsive public safety services, well-maintained parks, and preserving the character of our community. These are not partisan issues — they are quality-of-life issues that directly impact families every single day.

Preserving what makes Middletown special is incredibly important to me. Our neighborhoods, parks, small businesses, and strong sense of community are part of what makes this town such a desirable place to live. As Middletown continues to grow and evolve, we need thoughtful leadership that plans responsibly for the future while protecting the character of our town.

Strong municipal services are also essential to maintaining our quality of life. From public safety and road improvements to recreation programs and community resources, residents deserve a local government that is responsive, effective, and accountable. Families rely on these services every day, and making sure they remain strong and dependable will always be a priority for me.

At the end of the day, my experience in public policy, combined with my perspective as a mother raising a young family in Middletown, keeps me grounded in what truly matters to residents. I’m committed to practical, balanced leadership that focuses on local priorities, protects taxpayers, preserves our community, and ensures Middletown continues to be a place we are proud to call home."

Mark Soporowski On Why He's Running For Middletown Township Committee