Risley to seek re-election to Atlantic commissionership

Atlantic County Commissioner John Risley (R-Egg Harbor Twp) announced late last week that he is seeking re-election to the county board. 

Risley, the current chairman of the Board of Commissioners, first entered office in 2012.

“Having served for many years as a member of the Atlantic County Board of County Commissioners and this current year as Chairman, I will continue to put in the many hours of work that are required with all of the great passion that I have for Atlantic County,” Risley said.

Republicans hold an 8-1 majority on the Board, but Democrats have tapped three candidates they think could flip seats in a Democratic wave year. Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s nearly 4-point victory in Atlantic County last fall — as well as the near-flip of an at-large commissioner seat — has Democrats hopeful.

Risley said his running mates — at-large Commissioner June Byrnes and 3rd district Commissioner Andrew Parker III — have municipal experience that can continued delivered success.

Joe Giralo, Atlantic County’s Republican clerk, is also seeking re-election this year. GOP Sheriff Joseph “Tokyo Joe” O’Donoghue, who beat a Democratic incumbent in 2023, is expected to seek re-election.