TOMS RIVER - Democrats rode a wave of anger about overdevelopment in this sprawling township to a stunning election victory Tuesday, winning three of four ward council seats.

Democrat Daniel Rodrick won the Ward 2 seat on his second try, receiving 3,874 votes to 3,203 for Councilman Kevin M. Geoghegan. He had lost a close race to Geoghegan last year.

Democrat Laurie Huryk garnered 2,625 votes, defeating GOP challenger Louis Gallipoli, who garnered 2,542, in the race for a Ward 3 seat. And Terrance Turnbach defeated Republican Council President Al Manforti, 2,810 to 2,668.

Only Republican Councilwoman Maria Maruca was able to hold onto her Ward 1 seat, defeating Democrat Anthony Colucci, 3,202 to 2,917. All returns are unofficial.

The council seats are all four-year terms.

A non-binding referendum on the ballot asked residents if they think Toms River should buy up to 250 acres of property for preservation or potential recreational use.

The referendum was approved by an overwhelming margin of 82 to 18 percent, with 17,949 voting in favor, and 3,852 voting against it.

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Watch the video above to see how building in North Dover has impacted the Roberts Mobile Home Park off Route 9.

The Democrats' victory promises to upend politics in Ocean County's largest town, which has long been dominated by Republicans.

The last Democrat to hold office here was Brush, who was elected mayor as an Independent in 2003 but said he would govern as a Democrat shortly after taking office.

"I’m grateful to the voters of ward 1 for allowing me to serve them four more years," Maruca said last night.

It was one of the nastiest elections here in recent years, full of personal attacks and accusations on both sides.

Overdevelopment -- particularly in Toms River's northern sections -- dominated the debate here. More than 1,400 homes are either under construction or have been approved to be built in Toms River.

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The large majority of new construction is taking place in the township's northern sections, in formerly rural areas along or near the Route 9 corridor.

A non-binding referendum on the ballot asked residents if they think Toms River should buy up to 250 acres of property for preservation or potential recreational use.

More:Democrats criticize Toms River administrator's $200K salary

The referendum was approved by an overwhelming margin of 82 to 18 percent, with 17,949 voting in favor, and 3,852 voting against it.

The last Democrat to hold office here was Brush, who was elected mayor as an Independent in 2003 but said he would govern as a Democrat shortly after taking office.

More:New housing development is transforming northern Toms River

Jean Mikle: 732-643-4050, jmikle@gannettnj.com