Pemberton Township Mayor Matthew Bianchini has lost his bid for reelection, weeks after a heated confrontation with a resident at a public meeting drew widespread attention.
Bianchini, 59, conceded defeat on Wednesday to Democratic challenger Belinda Fontanez, who secured nearly 60 per cent of the vote.
The incumbent received less than 30 per cent.
Fontanez, a former township employee, was among the workers who filed a lawsuit over alleged misconduct by former mayor Jack Tompkins.
In a statement released early Thursday, Bianchini thanked his family, campaign team and supporters before acknowledging the election result.
He also congratulated Fontanez and pledged to support a smooth transition as she prepares to take over the leadership of the township.
Bianchini said the future and success of Pemberton Township mattered more than any individual election.
Mayor Was Restrained After Charging at Resident
The election defeat comes less than three weeks after Bianchini was involved in a confrontation with resident Michael Sawka during a public meeting on October 21.
Video footage showed the mayor leaving his seat, pointing at Sawka and charging towards him in the direction of the public gallery.
A man wearing a blue checked suit quickly intervened, positioning himself between the two and shouting at Bianchini to stop.
Another man joined the intervention, and together they restrained the mayor against a wall. Bianchini raised his hands as the confrontation continued.
When Sawka told him he should resign, Bianchini appeared to make another attempt to move towards him, prompting three men to hold him back.
He was eventually escorted away in a bear hug while shouting threats at Sawka.
The mayor was heard saying: “I am getting you, I am f****** getting you.”
Following the incident, Sawka said Bianchini had threatened him and demanded police intervention, describing the confrontation as assault.
Bianchini Claims Resident Provoked Him
Speaking to WPVI after the incident, Bianchini acknowledged that he had lost his temper during the exchange.
He described his relationship with Sawka as strained and said the confrontation had been building for a long time.
The mayor alleged that Sawka and another resident had made disrespectful remarks about his wife and daughter, who were seated at the back of the meeting room.
Bianchini admitted that his reaction was wrong but maintained that he had acted in response to the alleged comments about his family.
He said he believed any good husband or father would have reacted similarly if their family had been targeted.
However, he later apologised for the threats, admitting that he should not have made the remarks and describing them as words spoken in the heat of the moment.
He insisted that he had no intention of harming anyone.
Sawka Rejects Allegations Against Him
Sawka denied making inappropriate comments about Bianchini’s wife and daughter.
He maintained that he had remained seated and calm throughout the confrontation, disputing the mayor’s account of what led to the incident.
In comments to the local news station, Sawka said he wanted Bianchini to resign from office and face charges over his behaviour.
He also called for the mayor to sign an agreement promising never to become involved in politics again.
Footage from the township’s livestream captured the exchange between the two men before Bianchini left his seat.
The recording also showed Sawka raising his middle finger towards the mayor seconds before the confrontation escalated.
Bianchini Took Office After Previous Mayor Resigned
Bianchini became mayor following the departure of former mayor Jack Tompkins, who resigned in December 2025.
According to NJ.com, Tompkins stepped down after facing multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.
Fontanez, who previously worked for the township, was among the employees who sued over Tompkins’ alleged conduct.
Her election victory now means she will take over the leadership of Pemberton Township, with Bianchini confirming his willingness to support the transition.
