At least five incumbent lawmakers may be at risk of losing their seats next year if George Gilmore is successful at regaining his old post as Ocean County Republican chairman in a vote next month.
Several Republicans told the New Jersey Globe that Gilmore has sought to leverage seats in the 9th and 10th legislative districts in his campaign against Michael Mastronardy, the Ocean County sheriff, Frank Holman, who won the post after a 2019 federal conviction on tax-related charges forced Gilmore to resign, is not seeking re-election.
Three Republicans who spoke on the condition of anonymity out of fear of future retaliation, confirmed that Gilmore has dangled support for seats in the legislature and on the Ocean County Board of Commissioners in exchange for votes in the county chairman contest.
Mastronardy has won endorsements from several legislators who had backed Gilmore in the past, including State Sen. James Holzapfel (R-Toms River), Assemblymen Greg McGuckin (R-Toms River), John Catalano (R-Brick), Brian Rumpf (R-Little Egg Harbor) and Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove (R-Long Beach).
“George is ready to clean house, since the legislators aren’t with him,” one Republican said. “Since there is a long line of people who want these jobs, George is offering a chance to cut in line if we support him.”
But Gilmore disputes any allegations, saying that he’s made no promises of support to anyone and that he had no plans for any purges of Mastronardy supporters.
“There have been rumors circulating that two Senators and one Assembly person may not run next year,” Gilmore told the New Jersey Globe. “If that is true, the county organization will have to endorse new candidates.”
If the 77-year-old Holzapfel decides to retire, McGuckin would be a leading candidate for his Senate seat.
In 2021, Gilmore backed primary challenges to two assemblymen in the 9th district.
In that race, Catalano and McGuckin defeated former Toms River Republican Club President Geri Ambrosio, a fierce Gilmore ally, and former Toms River school board candidate Brian Quinn by more than 3,500 votes.
Ambrosio’s name was placed into nomination by Roxie Coburger, then the political director of the New Jersey Republican State Committee and now the Manchester GOP municipal chair.
Former Barnegat Mayor John Novak is considered a possible candidate in the 9th district where Rumpf and Gove currently hold seats. Ambrosio, Toms River Councilmen Dan Rodrick and Justin Lamb, Toms River school board member Ashley Lamb, and former Brick Councilwoman Ruthanne Scaturro are considered possible candidates in the 10th.