Two Democratic newcomers will challenge the Republican incumbents in the race for the Ward 1 and Ward 2 Township Council seats this November.

The Berkeley Township Democrat Club announced their slate Monday, the last day to file to run in the June primary election.

Lynn A. Hansen, Bayview Avenue, will go up against Republican Council President James J. Byrnes for the Ward 1 seat. Byrnes was appointed to the council in January, to fill the unexpired term of former Councilwoman Karen Davis, who resigned Jan. 1 for health reasons.

Brooke Hollister, Sylvan Lakes Boulevard, will run against Republican Councilman Kevin Askew for the Ward 2 seat. Askew was appointed to the council seat in January to fill the unexpired term of Mayor Carmen F. Amato Jr. who won the mayoral race last November.

"We are looking at new blood," said Democratic municipal chairperson Dawn M. Parks. "These two women are wonderful people. They are going to do a great job."

Byrnes and Askew had some competition for the two slots at a recent meeting of the Republican Club's screening committee, Club President James Fulcomer has said.

Byrnes was challenged by Charles Abbate and John Hudak. Hudak withdrew his candidacy before the committee took a vote, Fulcomer said.

Askew was challenged by Nick Mackros, Michael Horowitz and Edward F. Cammarato. Horowitz also withdrew his candidacy before the vote was taken, he said.

The Democrats were still looking for candidates as late as last week.