Upper Darby elected officials spoke about the results of Tuesday’s election in the township, with the Democrats taking six council seats, all in routs.

For the two at-large council seats open, Democrats Kyle McIntyre and Noah Fields won with 12,624 and 13,542 votes, respectively, against Republican Roger Tsayo with 5,122 votes and incumbent Councilwoman Laura Wentz, who had no party affiliation and gained 4,395 votes.

In Upper Darby’s 1st District council race, Democrat Brian O’Neill won over Republican David Shaffer with 2,377 votes to 1,285. In the township’s 3rd District race, Democrat Melissa DiNofia-Bozzone won with 2,769 votes to Republican Robert Yantorno’s 1,527.

In Upper Darby’s 5th District council race, Democrat Myron McNeely won with 2,360 votes to Republican William Scott’s 571. In the township’s 7th District race, Democrat Syama Disa won with 1,552 votes to Republican Oswald C. Okebata’s 202.

Council President Hafiz Tunis was in a good mood and said the win was a mandate, and said it was also pushback on national events.

“I’m extremely proud of the work the Upper Darby Democrats accomplished. This is a clear sign residents have faith in Upper Darby leadership. It’s the first time in my adult life I can remember the Democrats having had power in every area,” Tunis said in a phone call Wednesday.

“This is a clear win. The Democrats have a mandate,” he said.

He particularly pointed to the federal shutdown and impacts to SNAP.

Tunis had advice for his friends across the aisle.

“The GOP needs to develop an identity beyond Donald Trump,” he said.

He noted Democrats won in rural counties such as Cumberland County in New Jersey and Luzerne County in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Tunis said former Democrats in Delaware County fared poorly. Wentz left the party and ran unaffiliated and Brian Burke became a Republican, and both lost “massively,” Burke in a county council race.

“Again it is a testament to the work of Upper Darby and county Democrats. and when they leave us, it shows they can’t win without the backing of the Democratic party. I congratulate all the folks who won their races and give credit to those who didn’t win, it’s tough to put yourself in the public eye,” he said.

Mayor Ed Brown issued this statement on Facebook:

“Be proud of the campaign that you ran. It takes initiative, courage, and stamina to put yourself out there in the desire to serve. You are vulnerable when you run for office and not everyone can handle that. I’ve been both on the winning side and the losing side of elections and it can be quite discouraging and exhausting when all of your hard work doesn’t result in a win. You feel like your best wasn’t good enough. Know that there is still tomorrow and other ways to serve the community. My advice is to stay involved and look for opportunities to volunteer your time and talent to improve the community that we share and love.”