Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced Thursday that she intends to nominate Hunterdon County Commissioner John Lanza to the Superior Court, and the race for his seat is already underway, even though the election date remains uncertain.
The early frontrunner to succeed Lanza is Brad Myhre, the mayor of Frenchtown for the last ten years and the Hunterdon County administrator since 2022.
Lanza’s departure date depends on the speed of the Senate confirmation process. Once he is confirmed and resigns, the full Hunterdon County Republican Committee must hold a special election convention to fill the seat within 35 days.
Other possible candidates include: Readington Township Committeeman Vincent Panico and Adam Mueller; Union Township Mayor David DeGiralamo; Raritan Township Committeeman Scott Sipos; and Clinton Councilman Ross Traphagen.
Myhre worked as a congressional aide to Reps. Mike Ferguson (R-Warren) and Leonard Lance (R-Clinton Township), as a staffer for the Communications Workers of America Local 1036, and a county employee since 2015.
Hunterdon County GOP Chairman Gabe Plumer, who went to high school with Myhre, warned Republicans to stay focused on this year’s election before thinking about successors to Lanza.
“We’re in a fight this year in the county, and I’m looking to keep everyone totally focused on the election. There will be plenty of time to deal with this after,” Plumer said. “If anyone is bored and looking for something to do, come to a fundraiser, knock doors, and make calls. We’ll figure out the vacancy when it occurs, and certainly after the election.”
Regardless of the outcome of the November 3 general election, control of the five-member Hunterdon County Board of Commissioners would be up next year if Lanza is confirmed: Republicans Susan Soloway and Jeff Kuhl are up next year, along with the special election for Lanza’s unexpired term.
The lone legislator with senatorial courtesy over Lanza is State Sen. Andrew Zwicker (D-South Brunswick); Zwicker championed Lanza’a nomination.