Jay Gillian Wins Fifth Term as Ocean City Mayor

Our community has spoken. Ocean City voters reelected Jay Gillian to a fifth consecutive term as mayor on Tuesday night, signaling their preference for continuity as the city navigates complex questions about growth and development along our beloved boardwalk.

According to unofficial election results, Gillian received 1,981 votes in the three-way mayoral race, defeating challenger Keith Hartzell who earned 1,642 votes and Pete Madden who received 939 votes. With more than 9,000 registered voters, the nonpartisan municipal election saw roughly 49% turnout—marking one of the city's most closely watched elections in recent years.

Voters also elected Sean Barnes, Jim Kelly and Tony Polcini to the city's three at-large city council seats. Barnes led the council field with 2,942 votes, followed by Kelly with 2,778 and Polcini with 2,627. Jocelyn Palaganas finished fourth in the race with 2,270 votes.

Wonderland Redevelopment Takes Center Stage

The election centered largely on competing visions for the former Gillian's Wonderland Pier site at Sixth Street and the Boardwalk. The property has become a flashpoint in broader debates about development, tourism and our town's identity—issues that resonate deeply with residents who cherish Ocean City's character.

The site, now owned by developer Eustace Mita of ICONA Resorts, has sparked considerable public debate. Mita purchased the property from Gillian in 2021 and later proposed building an eight-story, 252-room hotel on the site. Current zoning for the Wonderland site only allows for amusements and retail on the property, making the proposal controversial among residents concerned about overdevelopment.

The proposal has sparked political organizing across the city, including the formation of residents' groups opposing the project. Each candidate offered distinct approaches to handling this sensitive issue.

Competing Visions for Ocean City's Future

Gillian campaigned on continuity and long-term infrastructure investment, pointing to boardwalk reconstruction projects, flood-mitigation work and beach replenishment efforts. His campaign unfolded amid scrutiny surrounding the closure of his family's amusement park and his personal Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing last year.

Speaking to supporters Tuesday night at the Flanders Hotel, Gillian thanked voters and criticized the role social media played during the campaign. "What matters are the people who really care and speak honestly," Gillian said. "I hope this is a testament to people in Ocean City to stay offline."

He added that he believed his reelection victory reflected voters' focus on his record, and said that he was "humbled" by the race.

Hartzell focused his campaign on transparency, limiting overdevelopment and addressing parking concerns. He frequently raised concerns about the scale of the proposed luxury hotel at the former Wonderland site.

Madden's campaign focused on redevelopment, collaboration and managing growth while preserving Ocean City's character. He emerged as the strongest supporter among the candidates for moving redevelopment negotiations forward at the Wonderland property. In a statement, Madden congratulated the mayor: "Congratulations to Jay. It was a great experience. Can't thank all the people enough for their time, support and help."

New Council Member Brings Fresh Perspective

Newcomer Kelly, one of the founders of Ocean City 2050, campaigned heavily on public engagement and compromise around the future of the boardwalk property. On his website, Kelly said he pushed for "smart, fact driven compromise" surrounding redevelopment discussions tied to Wonderland Pier.

What Happens Next

According to Ocean City Municipal Clerk Melissa G. Rasner, unofficial election results posted Tuesday night include Election Day voting and mail ballots received by the Board of Elections before polls closed. Still outstanding are provisional ballots, mail ballots postmarked by Election Day but not yet received and ballots requiring cure forms.

The deadline for receipt of timely mailed ballots is Monday, May 18, while cure forms must be received by Wednesday, May 20. Official election results are expected on or before Friday, May 22.

The newly elected officials will begin their terms July 1, inheriting decisions that will shape our community's future for years to come. Tuesday's outcome signals how voters want elected officials to approach growth, redevelopment and infrastructure—balancing progress with preservation of the Ocean City character we all treasure.