Hugin will seek re-election as GOP state chairman, has no challenger

With no opponent so far, Bob Hugin is set to win a second term as Republican State Chairman when the party votes on Thursday evening and will remain at the helm until after the GOP primary for governor.

“I will be seeking another two-year term as Chairman,” Hugin said.  “Together, we have notched some incredible victories and started a great Republican resurgence in this state.  I look forward to our continued partnership and achievements in the years ahead.”

The winner of the gubernatorial nomination typically selects state party chairs.  Jack Ciattarelli picked Hugin after he won in 2021.

On Hugin’s watch, Republicans came within three percentage points of ousting Gov. Phil Murphy, flipped the 7th district congressional seat, gained a State Senate seat and six seats in the State Assembly, and made substantial gains at the county and local levels.

Despite Hugin’s likely ascension to another term, it’s unclear where the GOP state chairman stands in the presidential race.

He was an ally of Gov. Chris Christie, who encouraged the former Celgene CEO to run for the U.S. Senate in 2018.  Hugin spent over $36 million of his own money challenging Democrat Bob Menendez in Donald Trump’s midterm election.

Hugin backed Harmeet Dhillon in her challenge to Republican National Chair Ronna McDaniel earlier this year; in 2022, Hugin voted against a Republican National Committee resolution censuring then-Reps. Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger for taking part in investigating the events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

While there is no challenge to Hugin, there could be a fight next year when Republican National Committeeman Bill Palatucci seeks re-election.

A fierce critic of Trump and McDaniel, Palatucci is one of Christie’s closest friends and top advisors.   Unless Christie becomes the nominee or influences who it is, Palatucci could wind up with a massive target on his back.

This is Hugin’s third run for state chairman.  After Doug Steinhardt resigned in December 2020 to become a candidate for governor, Hugin made a late bit for state chairman and lost to Michael Lavery, a former state chairman and Hackettstown mayor, by six votes, 24-18.    Ciattarelli had backed Hugin in that special election.

Lavery held the post until Ciattarelli chose Hugin in June 2021.

Darlene Shotmeyer, a Republican state committeewoman from Bergen County, is expected to win a second term as vice chair.