Alex Halter files for Congress in NJ-11 GOP primary

Alex Halter, a Denville real estate consultant and self-described “Trump Republican,” filed petitions today for a bid in New Jersey’s 11th congressional district, adding another name to a mostly settled primary.

Halter had not previously announced a campaign – he said he’ll do so in the coming days – and did not compete at the district’s three county conventions. He spent thirteen years as a producer for SportsNet New York and previously worked as a producer for FOX Sports and as a video journalist for CNN.

Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen won the Republican line in Morris and Essex Counties, making him the clear favorite for the nomination, while former Assistant Passaic County Prosecutor Paul DeGroot won the Passaic County line.

Also in the running are U.S. Army veteran Toby Anderson, who finished third at the Morris County convention, and newcomer Ruth McAndrew. Three other candidates, former Kinnelon Council President Larry Casha, former Ridgefield Park Councilman Robert Kovic, and attorney Larry Friscia, dropped out after falling short in Morris County.

The winner of the Republican primary will face Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair), who flipped the 11th district from Republicans in 2018. Sherrill was given a major boost by congressional redistricting, which redrew the 11th district to be significantly more favorable to Democrats, and any Republican will be an underdog against her.