‘It didn’t go well’

Opinions vary on whether national politics should be an issue in local elections. They have become one in Middlesex in 2026, driving a wedge between one Democratic Borough Council candidate and local party leadership.

“It didn’t go well,” said Democratic council candidate Vinnie Lella Jr., characterizing a meeting he had with the municipal party’s leaders and active members on Monday, April 13.

“They’re way too left for me,” Lella added.

Democratic Party leadership might claim Lella leans too far in the other political direction. During comments to Inside – Middlesex, Lella said he had signs supporting Republican President Donald Trump on his lawn leading up the 2024 general election, adding that it came up during his meeting last week with other party members.

Since Lella and party leadership did not iron out their differences, he and Vincent Rouse Sr. will run separate fall campaigns for council even though they are both Democrats. Lella and Rouse are attempting to unseat a pair of Republican incumbents, Council President Michael Conahan and Councilman Kevin Dotey.

Lella defended his political affiliation and voting record. “I’ve always been a Middlesex Borough Democrat,” he said. “Nationally, I go with who I think is a better candidate.”

While he voted for Trump over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024, Lella said he voted for Democratic President Barrack Obama previously. Lella said he is not happy about some of the antics that have drawn fire for Trump recently such as his social media posting of an AI image depicting himself as a healing Jesus.

Middlesex Democratic Chairwoman Monica Townsend responded via email on Monday, April 20 when asked about Lella’s “too far left” comment.

“During our monthly meeting on April 13, Mr. Lella expressed a willingness to support our committee and campaign,” Townsend wrote. “At the time he was able to join our meeting, our discussion focused on upcoming community events and initiatives designed to uplift the borough. We find it difficult to reconcile how these community-focused priorities could be characterized as ‘too far left.’ “

“Furthermore, the meeting included direct inquiries regarding Mr. Lella’s decision to enter the campaign without prior consultation with this committee, as well as discussions on potential collaboration,” Townsend continued. “We believe that any candidate seeking a council seat should be prepared to address thoughtful questions regarding their motives and platform. Rather than the meeting ‘not going well,’ it appears that our Democratic values may not be fully aligned with Mr. Lella’s goals. We hope to reach a better resolution in the future.”

Both Rouse and Lella submitted candidacy petitions in March to get their names on the June primary ballot. Rouse, who also ran for council in 2025, had the endorsement of the Middlesex Borough Democratic Organization. The party did not come up with a second candidate, paving the way for Lella to get the required voter signatures to place his name on the ballot.

The borough’s Democratic organization sponsored a Meet and Greet event on Saturday, April 18 at Kerwin’s Tavern. In the lead-up to the event, only Rouse was featured in social media advertising with the words “Meet Our Candidate” – singular tense.

With Rouse and Lella not running as a team in November, Middlesex Borough essentially has a three-sided council election. Conahan and Dotey are the Republican slate. Meanwhile, Rouse and Lella will run separately, each being a Democrat but having different political views.

Rouse was one of the speakers at a March 28 No Kings rally held in Middlesex. The event was sponsored jointly by the Middlesex Borough and Dunellen Democratic organizations, one of numerous rallies held nationally that day to protest Trump’s actions and policies. Lella did not attend and commented on Facebook that he sought to keep national politics out of the borough election.

Trump his been the top vote-getter in Middlesex Borough during the past three presidential elections. Last November, GOP gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli, who aligned himself with Trump, was outpolled in Middlesex by Democrat Mikie Sherrill as she won the governorship.

Rouse attend the Tuesday, April 14 council meeting and commented on Middlesex Borough’s No Kings event.

“I’m grateful to report it was a great success,” Rouse told the governing body. “It was not a platform of hate or division, but it was a peaceful and respectful demonstration of residents exercising our right to be heard. At its core, this gathering reflected a fundamental principle – the people should always have a voice.”

Rouse noted that Middlesex Borough is “very diverse” and that “respect must continue to go both ways.”

“Middlesex Borough has an opportunity to continue setting the standard as a place where all people are valued, regardless of color, religion, race, gender or sexual orientation,” Rouse concluded. “My hope is that we continue to foster an environment where voices can be heard without fear, where disagreements do not lead to division, and where we remain committed to the well-being of every resident in this town.”

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