Sadeghi enters race to replace Vicari in Ocean County

Frank Sadeghi, a real estate developer and GOP fundraiser, has entered the race for a rare open Ocean County Commissioner seat.

The incumbent, Joseph Vicari, announced that he would not seek re-election after nearly 42 years in county government.

“I’ve decided to run for County Commissioner so that I can give back to an area that has given so much to me and my family,” Sadeghi said.  “ Through our businesses, we have been fortunate to create several hundred jobs for people right here in Ocean County.”

Ocean GOP officials reopened the process for potential commissioner candidates since Vicari’s retirement announcement came after the original filing deadline to screen and compete at the county convention.

Two Republicans had filed letters of intent with the Ocean County Republican organization to take on Vicari: Berkeley Township Committeeman James Byrne and former Brick Councilman Michael Thulen, Sr.  Thulen had sought party support for commissioner in 2021 and 2022.

“As the next member of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, I look forward to joining the other four members of the Board who are fighting for Ocean County’s residents to make sure Ocean County always remains the best place to live, work and raise a family in the entire state.

Sadeghi said he immigrated to the U.S. more than 45 years ago.

“I found a country full of promise and hope. I landed at John F. Kennedy Airport and didn’t speak a word of English. Despite all adversities, I was able to live the American Dream, start a family, and build a thriving business,” he said.  “There is no other place on Earth where this would all have been possible.

Sadeghi had come within 25 votes of winning a race for Ocean County GOP chairman in 2019.  He lost to Frank Holman by a vote of 254 to 229.