Our community is experiencing a shift in local leadership as William 'Will' Pauls has stepped down from his position on the Egg Harbor Township Committee, effective Sunday, May 18, 2026. The resignation comes as Pauls relocates outside the township, creating a rare opening on the governing body.
Pauls' departure marks the end of what local observers describe as dedicated service to Egg Harbor Township. His leadership has been recognized throughout Atlantic County for decades, and his absence will be felt as the township navigates the process of finding his replacement.
How the Seat Will Be Filled
The vacant Republican seat will be filled through a structured process. The United Egg Harbor Township Republican Party will nominate three candidates to the Township Committee, which will then select one person to serve out the remainder of Pauls' term.
The three current Republican committee members—Mayor Laura Pfrommer, Paul Hodson, and Deputy Mayor Ray Ellis—will make the final decision. While the committee must choose from the three recommended nominees, they technically have the option to select someone else, though that scenario is considered highly unlikely.
Democrat Pete Castellano, who made history last year as the first Democrat elected to the Township Committee in more than 30 years, will not participate in the selection process. The Republican majority maintains complete control over filling the Republican seat.
Political Dynamics at Play
The timing of this vacancy is particularly interesting given the upcoming Republican Primary Election on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Doris Dilley is challenging two sitting committee members—Mayor Laura Pfrommer and Paul Hodson—in what promises to be a contested race.
Had Dilley chosen a different political path, she might have been positioned as a front-runner for the vacant seat. Instead, she's running against Pfrommer, who has served on the Township Committee for 14 years, and Hodson, a former mayor and the longest-serving committee member with 20 years of experience.
This isn't Dilley's first primary challenge. Last year, she ran against fellow Republican incumbent Paul Rosenberg in the Republican Primary. Rosenberg defeated Dilley by approximately 300 votes but went on to lose the General Election to Pete Castellano, marking a significant shift in the township's political landscape.
Looking Ahead
Deputy Mayor Ray Ellis, who has been elected twice to serve on the Township Committee, will play a crucial role in determining who joins the governing body. Along with Pfrommer and Hodson, Ellis will evaluate the nominees and select someone to work alongside them in serving our community.
Castellano, who previously served for 20 years on the Egg Harbor Township Board of Education before his historic Township Committee victory, represents the Democratic voice on the committee but will not influence this particular appointment.
As our township moves forward, the selection of Pauls' replacement will be closely watched by residents interested in the direction of local governance. The appointment, combined with the outcome of the June 2nd primary, will shape the committee's composition and priorities for the coming years.
