Statement of GOP State Chairman Bob Hugin on midterm elections

“Thank you to all the candidates who so selflessly placed their names on the ballot and ran aggressive and effective campaigns.  We had significant victories up and down the state, despite disappointing results in some of our legislative races. Our progress is highlighted by exceptional victories in local races capturing the mayoral races in Bridgewater, Old Bridge, Raritan, Sayreville, Somerville, Summit, Woodcliff Lake, and others. Additionally major inroads were achieved in local races in Caldwell, Cranford, Millburn, Paramus, Westfield, and more. 

Republicans swept County offices in Cumberland and achieved important victories in Atlantic County, with several County races still being too close to call. Important victories in Board of Education elections and local elections bode well for the future. 

We need to rigorously review and understand the lessons that led to disappointments in the areas where we did not do well. We lost significant ground in legislative races. What can we do to get more New Jerseyans to recognize the importance of getting out to vote?  

The turnout this cycle is an unacceptable outcome for our democracy. There is something wrong when approximately 30% of voters determine the outcome of our elections.  Though we made small gains in Vote by Mail and Early Voting, we must accelerate and improve our plans for closing the gap with Democrats.  We cannot change the anti-democratic nature of these laws if we don’t win at the state level.

Though we are the big tent party and as such will have challenging primaries, we must do a better job of coming together and commit to defeating Democrats in the general election.  We are right on the issues! The future of New Jersey depends on us running and winning with the best candidates to govern our cities, counties and state.”