Scotch Plains Council Race Is Set, as Republicans Announce Gabrielle Gilles as Their Third Candidate

Gabrielle Gilles, a lifelong Scotch Plains resident and small business owner, has announced her candidacy for the Scotch Plains Township Council. Gilles, owner of Bite Me Bakery, is seeking one of three Township Council seats on the ballot in November 2026. She will run alongside Republican candidates Brian Johdos and Romel D'Munda.

Gilles brings experience as a small business owner and parent raising a family in the township. She is active in the Scotch Plains-Fanwood PTA, the Rotary Club of Scotch Plains-Fanwood, the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Alumni Association, and the Preserve Shady Rest Committee.

"I am running because I believe our community deserves leadership that prioritizes safety and gets growth right," Gilles said. "As someone who lives here, is raising my family here, and runs my business here, I see where we need to slow down. My focus will be on supporting public safety, protecting taxpayers, and making sure any change is truly what's best for Scotch Plains before we approve it."

Gilles rounds out the GOP ticket for Scotch Plains Council following Deanna Dell Bene's recent withdrawal from the race.

Election Day 2026 will be Tuesday, November 3.

Find more Scotch Plains government news and community information on Union County Life.

Photo Credit: Scotch Plains Republican Committee.

FAQ

Q: Who is Gabrielle Gilles?
A: Gabrielle Gilles is a lifelong Scotch Plains resident, small business owner, and community volunteer. She owns Bite Me Bakery, a pop-up bakery that regularly appears at the Scotch Plains Farmers Market and other local events.

Q: What office is Gilles running for?
A: Gilles is running for one of three Scotch Plains Township Council seats in the November 2026 election.

Q: Who are her running mates?
A: Gilles is running alongside Republican candidates Brian Johdos and Romel D'Munda.

Q: What is Gilles' background?
A: Gilles is a small business owner and parent raising a family in Scotch Plains. She is active in the Scotch Plains-Fanwood PTA, the Rotary Club of Scotch Plains-Fanwood, the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Alumni Association, and the Preserve Shady Rest Committee.

Q: What are Gilles' priorities if elected?
A: Gilles said her focus will be on supporting public safety, protecting taxpayers, and ensuring that any changes to the township are truly in the community's best interest.

Q: When is the election?
A: The Scotch Plains Township Council election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Q: When did Gilles enter the race?
A: Gilles was announced as the Republican ticket's third candidate following Deanna Dell Bene's recent withdrawal from the race.

Q: How many seats are on the ballot?
A: Three Scotch Plains Township Council seats are on the ballot in November 2026.

Q: Where can I find more information about Scotch Plains elections?
A: Union County Life covers Scotch Plains government news and elections. Visit unioncountylife.com for more local political coverage.