Hunterdon GOP filing deadline set for January 20, a move that could force Rizzo’s hand

The timeline is tightening for the field of Republican candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives in New Jersey’s 7th district, with filing deadlines being set today for GOP candidates in Hunterdon and Somerset counties.

Candidates have until 5 PM on January 20 to file letters of intent with the Hunterdon County Republicans to compete for their organization line.  They will hold a screening committee meeting at the end of this month and have scheduled their convention for February 10.

This will be the first face-off between candidate looking to run against two-term Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-Ringoes) in a newly-drawn district that favors Republicans.

Senate Minority Leader Thomas Kean, Jr. (R-Westfield) is the front runner for the GOP nod.  He came within one percent of ousting Malinowski in 2020.  Assemblyman Erik Peterson (R-Franklin) said this week that he intends to run, and Rev. Phil Rizzo is considering a switch from the 11th to the 7th.  Also in the race: businessman John Henry Isemann and 2020 U.S. Senate candidate Rik Mehta.

Most of the Hunterdon GOP establishment has already endorsed Kean.

Somerset County Republicans have set a February 1 filing deadline, with a vote to award the organization line set for March 15.

Hunterdon County Republican Chairman Gabe Plumer also announced that JJ Cahill will remain as the party’s executive director.

“JJ was instrumental in securing many of the victories for our county in this past election cycle, including helping to get our county candidates’ vote totals to over 60% of the votes cast,” Plumer said.