11/07/2025
To Members of the Wayne Democratic Club and Wayne voters,
While, for Democrats, last night was cause for celebration as Mikie Sherrill became New Jersey’s Governor-elect, it was a disappointment for our Working for Wayne team, including mayoral candidate, Don Pavlak.
After seeing the results, finding the right words to respond is difficult. However, what Don wrote to his team captures everything that needs to be said. On behalf of Don and our Council-At-Large candidates – Fran Ritter, Dylan Orren-King and Dr. Corey McKinney – I’m sure his words can be extended to all of you and the team’s supporters – Democrats, Independents and, yes, Republicans too.
Don writes:
“As we conclude this journey together, I want to offer my deepest gratitude for your dedication, your long hours, and your unwavering belief in what we were striving to accomplish. Every call you made, every door you knocked on, every conversation you held in support of this effort reflected a genuine commitment to our community and a profound faith in the possibility of positive change.
Although we could not secure the result we had hoped for, we can stand proud in knowing that our work was meaningful and that our message resonated with many. This was far from a one-sided contest. Despite claims of an overwhelming mandate, the outcome clearly shows that a substantial portion of Wayne’s residents are looking for a new direction and a government that listens closely and serves transparently. That fact alone underscores the difference you helped make.
Campaigns are not merely about a single election night. They are vehicles for ideas, for engagement, and for hope. Together, we brought new voices into the conversation and built connections that did not exist before. Those relationships and the energy we created do not disappear with an election result. They become the foundation for what comes next.
I want you to know how sincerely appreciative I am of each of you. You stood beside me at every step. You believed in something bigger than yourselves, and you worked with integrity and passion. You made me incredibly proud to be the candidate representing this team.
While this chapter closes, our vision for a stronger and more accountable future for Wayne remains. We will reflect, regroup, and continue to work toward the progress our community deserves. I look forward to staying engaged, learning from this experience, and building on all that we have achieved together.
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for your trust, your effort, and your faith in this mission. I remain honored and grateful.”
