A former union ironworker and supporter of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign announced last night that he will run for Union County Republican Chairman when the party reorganizes in June.
Carlos Santos plans to take on incumbent Glenn Mortimer in a race that appears directly connected to next year’s Republican gubernatorial primary: Mortimer is expected to support State Sen. Jon Bramnick (R-Westfield), and Santos is allied with former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R-Somerville).
Bramnick is the favorite to have the organization line in his home county, but changing party leadership could give Ciattarelli a chance to compete. But to be clear, Mortimer has some supporters who back Ciattarelli and Santos has backers who prefer radio personality, Bill Spadea.
“I am running for Chair of the Union County Republicans because I am dedicated to continuing the growth of our party, building upon the groundwork I have already successfully laid while filling committee seats and as a commissioner candidate,” Santos said. “Together, we will ensure that every town in Union County receives the attention and support it deserves, fostering a stronger, more diverse Republican presence throughout our community.”
Santos, who ran for county commissioner on an underfunded GOP slate in 2022 and 2023, said he is recruiting and filling huge blocks of unfilled county committee seats in Elizabeth, Linden, and Union Township.
Mortimer, a former Mountainside councilman and aide to Rep. Leonard Lance (R-Clinton Township), has been the Union County GOP chairman since 2014 after Phil Morin stepped down.
Assemblywoman Michele Matsikoudis (R-New Providence) said
“Under Glenn’s leadership, Union County has seen a resurgence of common sense Republican representation in towns like Summit and Westfield,” Matsikoudis told the New Jersey Globe. “Glenn has worked hard over the past few years to make investments in each of our towns, support candidates up and down the ticket, and grow our vote-by-mail initiatives. I am looking forward to working with him in his role over the next two years.”
Union County was once a swing county where elections, even in presidential years, were hugely competitive, but the GOP hasn’t won a countywide race since 1995. Still, the county has three Republican legislators: Bramnick and his two running mates, Assemblywomen Nancy Muñoz (R-Summit) and Matsikoudis.