Oakland 'Do-Over' Election Shocks Republicans

Independent candidate Matthew Dumpert defeats GOP incumbent Kevin Slasinski by over 1,000 votes in surprise result.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 5:34pm

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In a surprising turn of events, the town of Oakland, New Jersey held a special 'do-over' election after two council candidates tied in the previous election. Independent candidate Matthew Dumpert defeated Republican incumbent Kevin Slasinski by a margin of over 1,000 votes, flipping the balance of power on the seven-member mayor and council to five Republicans and two Independents.

Why it matters

The outcome of this local election has broader implications, as it represents a shift in political dynamics in the town and a potential rebuke of the local Republican party establishment. The race generated significant attention and controversy, with accusations of deception and infighting within the Bergen County Republican Organization.

The details

In the initial election last fall, Slasinski, a Republican incumbent, and Dumpert, an Independent, both received 2,516 votes, resulting in a tie. The special 'do-over' election was held on Tuesday, and Dumpert emerged victorious, winning by a margin of 1,888 to 770 votes. Republicans accused Dumpert of 'lying to the voters' and claimed he was a 'Democrat in disguise', but Dumpert maintained that he is a 'true, lifelong independent'.

  • The initial election was held in the fall of 2025.
  • The special 'do-over' election took place on Tuesday, March 11, 2026.

The players

Kevin Slasinski

A Republican incumbent council member who tied with his Independent opponent in the initial election.

Matthew Dumpert

An Independent candidate who defeated the Republican incumbent in the special 'do-over' election.

Holly Schepisi

A state senator who backed the Republican candidate, Slasinski.

Frank Pallotta

The Republican Party's 2020 and 2022 congressional candidate for the 5th district, who supported the Independent candidate, Dumpert.

Bergen County Republican Organization (BCRO)

The local Republican party organization that backed the Republican candidate, Slasinski, and accused Pallotta of 'falsely portraying himself' as a member of the Oakland GOP.

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What they’re saying

“If the BCRO wants to regain credibility, it should start by taking some measure of responsibility! Stop lashing out at your own membership and do the hard work of rebuilding a strong Republican party that you have squandered.”

— Frank Pallotta

“Dumpert was 'lying to the voters' and that he is a 'Democrat in disguise'.”

— Republicans

“I am a 'true, lifelong independent'.”

— Matthew Dumpert

What’s next

The results of the special 'do-over' election will be certified, and Dumpert will take his seat on the Oakland town council, shifting the balance of power away from the Republican majority.

The takeaway

This local election highlights the ongoing tensions and power struggles within the Republican party, as well as the ability of independent candidates to make inroads, even in traditionally Republican strongholds. The outcome will be closely watched as a potential indicator of broader political trends in the region.