Kean taps MacLelland to manage ’24 re-election bid

Kean MacLelland, a rising star among Republican political operatives, will be the campaign manager for Rep. Tom Kean’s re-election bid in New Jersey’s 7th district.

The race to secure a second term for Kean in the state’s only competitive House race is among the most closely watched in the nation.

MacLelland, 26, a one-time concert promotor, joined the political scene in 2021 as the statewide advance coordinator for Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli.  He spent the last two years as chief of staff for freshman Assemblywoman Michele Matsikoudis (R-New Providence), helping her win re-election this year in a marginally competitive district.

He also managed the campaign for Republicans in Westfield, where the GOP swept four town council seats in Mayor Shelley Brindle’s midterm election; a victory for Republicans in Westfield, which has become a Democratic stronghold, was one of the most stunning upsets of the 2023 campaign.

“He comes with an impressive track record whether it’s in our hometown of Westfield or across the state,” said Kean.  “He is going to be a vital part for a successful campaign in the year ahead.”

Matsikoudis said that MacLelland “helped secure $644,000 for constituents and enact 26 new laws which will support residents for years to come.”

“I am deeply thankful for his loyalty, dedication, and friendship over these past two years,” she said.

Kean’s 2022 victory over two-term Rep. Tom Malinowski was managed by Dan Scharfenberger, now in Washington as the congressman’s communications director and acting chief of staff.  The 2020 Kean campaign, which came within one percentage point of unseating Malinowski, was managed by Theresa Winegar, now a top official at the National Republican Congressional Committee.

Three Democrats are currently seeking party support to challenge Kean next year: former New Jersey Working Families state director Sue Altman; former U.S. State Department official Jason Blazakis; and Summit Councilman Greg Vartan.