Keith Davis stepping down as Atlantic GOP chair to form super PAC

After sixteen years as the Atlantic County Republican Chairman, Keith Davis will step down on March 25 to take an active role in a new super PAC being formed to help elect Republicans across South Jersey.

“While leaving as Chairman is a difficult decision, I have recognized how campaigns are funded has changed significantly over the past decade,” Davis said.  “Super PACs are the future. Democratic special interests have dominated the Super PAC landscape in our region for too long and it is time for common sense conservatives to level the playing field.”

The new organization aims to compete with super PACS run by Democratic powerbroker George E. Norcross III and other South Jersey Democrats as the GOP finds new footing in the state’s southern region.

“Building upon our success in Atlantic County, this new role will allow me to help Republican candidates win here and throughout our region,” he said, noting that the new role could conflict with his post as county chairman.

Davis said he was leaving the party in its best shape since the 1980s, with a Republican county executive, county clerk, surrogate, congressman, a 7-2 majority on the Atlantic County Board of Commissioners, and an all-Republican legislative delegation that touches parts of four districts.

“When I began my tenure 16 years ago, Atlantic County was a purple county,” said Davis.  “But today, we are bright red and have a very promising future.”

GOP Vice Chair Rosalie Baker will serve as acting chair until a special election can be held no  later than April 24.

Former Galloway Mayor Donald Purdy, who was preparing to challenge Davis in June, is viewed as a leading candidate to win the spring election.

Purdy is a key ally of State Sen. Vince Polistina (R-Egg Harbor Township), who was elected to an open seat last year.

Republicans are in contention to take control of county government in Gloucester and Cumberland counties in 2022.

In addition to the election of Polistina, Assemblyman Donald Guardian (D-Atlantic City) and Assemblywoman Claire Swift (R-Margate) in 2021, Republicans ousted Senate President Steve Sweeney, State Sen. Dawn Addiego (D-Evesham) and two longtime GOP assemblymen from Gloucester County,