Rob Bengivenga appears to have a clear path to win a second term as Middlesex County Republican chairman after securing endorsements from twenty GOP municipal chairs, including his former opponent.
Bengivenga won the post in 2021 following the retirement of Lucille Panos, defeating Perth Amboy GOP Municipal Chair Sharon Hubberman by a wide margin, 71%-29%. Hubberman and her top ally in that contest, Anita Greenberg Belli, an Old Bridge councilwoman and local party chair, are both backing Bencivenga this year.
“I am humbled by the support of my fellow state and local Republican leaders,” said Bengivenga. “I look forward to working with all Republicans throughout Middlesex County. Together can continue to build our organization and secure more victories from the grassroots up throughout the county.”
While Republicans have not won a countywide election in Middlesex since 1991, Bengivenga won some major local victories last year, including Kennedy O’Brien’s return as mayor of Sayreville.
Bengivenga also has the backing of newly-elected State Sen. Owen Henry (R-Old Bridge). He was part of a coalition of four county chairs who made a tough decision two years ago and pulled part support from longtime Republican State Sen. Sam Thompson (R-Old Bridge). At age 88, they felt Thompson should retire and backed Henry for the seat; he wound up switching parties in protest, but quickly ended his bid to run for re-election as a Democrat.
Also supporting Bengivenga are Republican mayors in Dunellen, Middlesex Borough, Milltown, Old Bridge, Sayreville, South Plainfield, and South River. He has every Republican municipal chair, along with veteran GOP State Committeeman Donald Katz.
State Sen. Jon Bramnick (R-Westfield), who represents part of Middlesex County, is also backing Bengivenga. Bramnick has been cultivating relationships in Middlesex County since Dunellen and Middlesex Borough were added to the 21st legislative district, a move that could be beneficial as he seeks organization lines for his gubernatorial campaign.
Bengivenga was 23 when he first won a South Plainfield council seat in 2005.