BAYONNE--Longtime postal worker and interim councilman Terence Ruane won the Bayonne special council election with 50 of 51 election districts counted as of 9:30 p.m. Ruane reportedly had declared victory when only a third of the votes were in, as he was far ahead.

Ruane took on five challengers to keep the seat. He was appointed earlier this year to temporarily replace Anthony Chiappone when Chiappone ran for his Assembly seat.

Chiappone himself has won his Assembly race, along with his slate-mate Charles Mainor. They beat their Republican opponents for the two open Assembly seats 3 to 1. Chiappone is currently under state investigation regarding money that aides gave to his campaign.

The results of the local race:

Bayonne Council at Large

50/51 98.04%

Vote Count Percent

- Debra E. Noble 1,529 18.36%

- John R. Cupo 465 5.58%

- Leonard R. Kantor 1,856 22.29%

- Terrence Ruane 2,956 35.49%

- Ramon O. Veloz 1,002 12.03%

- Stanley C. Marko 509 6.11%

Personal Choice 11 0.13%

Total 8,328 100.00%