Somerset GOP endorses Matsikoudis for Assembly

Following her second ballot victory at today’s Union Count GOP convention, Michele Matsikoudis won the endorsement of Somerset County Republican Chairman Tim Howes in her bid for State Assembly in the 21st district.

Matsikoudis, a New Providence councilwoman, will seek run on a ticket with Jon Bramnick for Senate and Nancy Munoz for Assembly.  Bramnick is giving up the Assembly seat he’s held since 2003 to run for the seat being vacated by Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean, Jr.

“It’s time to unite behind the ticket of Bramnick, Munoz and Matsikoudis. Michele Matsikoudis is a great addition to the team,” said Howes. “She is a dynamic campaigner and public servant who will win over independents and unaffiliated voters in Somerset County.”

Matsikoudis defeated Summit Republican Municipal Chair Steven Spurr by a 158-86 vote, 65%-35% margin, on the second ballot.

On the first ballot, Spurr led Matsikoudis by three votes, 82-79, 44%-42%, in a six-candidate field.

Nearly all of the votes for the other four candidates went to Matsikoudis, who scored an endorsement from Bramnick and Munoz between the two ballots.  Turnout on the second ballot bumped from 187 to 243.

Howes called on the party to unite behind Matsikoudis.

“It is, however, time to unite and work toward our common goals of electing Jack Ciattarelli, the Bramnick, Munoz and Matsikoudis ticket, our County Commissioner candidates Michael Kirsh and Amber Murad, and Republicans at the local level,” Howes said.

Bramnick won the organization line in Somerset, but the county GOP held off Assembly endorsements so Somerset could go first.