David Stahl will become a judge in Woodbridge.
EAST BRUNSWICK -- Mayor David Stahl announced in a Facebook post Wednesday that he had resigned office to take a judge position.
"My family and I are not going anywhere and I know that whether it is on the soccer fields, baseball fields, or at different school and community events, I will see many of you," Stahl said. "I plan to continue volunteering and being a part of this wonderful town that has been my home for over 35 years."
Stahl will become a municipal judge in Woodbridge, a new position. He was appointed on New Year's Day.
James White, the township administrator, has taken the acting mayor job.
"I've already done two weddings," White said.
Then, White said, the Democratic Party will put forward three potential candidates to the Town Council to vote on a successor for the rest of the term. They have 15 days to pick a replacement.
In November, the position will be open for election again for another four-year term.
Stahl was elected as a Democrat seven years ago, but switched to the Republican Party in his second term to run for state Senate. He lost to then-Assemblyman Peter Barnes, D-Edison. Because he was a Democrat when he was elected to his current term, the Democratic Party is expected to have the say over his interim successor.
The Republicans have the council majority right now, but township Democrats are hopeful they'll be able to win the seat back in a presidential election year, which is more favorable to their party.
Among the possible Democratic candidates for mayor are Councilman Michael Spadafino and Board of Education President Brad Cohen. Republicans who may run include Council President Michael Hughes, Councilman Jim Wendell and Councilwoman Camille Ferraro.
Brian Amaral may be reached at bamaral@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @bamaral44. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
