With key endorsements, Sadeghi emerges as leading candidate for Ocean county commissioner

Three Republican state senators from Ocean County have endorsed Frank Sadeghi for county commissioner, expanding the view that the Toms River businessman is the front-runner to succeed Joseph Vicari.

Christopher Connors (R-Lacey), James Holzapfel (R-Toms River), and Robert Singer (R-Lakewood) signed a letter to members of the Ocean County Republican Council saying that Sadeghi “best embodies everything that Ocean County represents.”

“Frank will bring decades of private sector experience to the Board of Commissioners and will be a tireless voice for the people of Ocean County, said the three senators and Ocean County Surrogate Jeff Moran.

Vicari is retiring after 42 years in county government.  Sadeghi entered the race shortly after Vicari’s announcement.

Berkeley Township Committeeman James Byrne and former Brick Councilman Michael Thulen, Sr. have also filed letters of intent to run for commissioner.  Sr.  Thulen had sought party support for commissioner in 2021 and 2022.

“I commend Frank for his years of hard work building several successful businesses right here in Ocean County,” said Singer, the senior member of the Senate Republican Caucus.  “Through those businesses, he has created hundreds of jobs for Ocean County residents.  Frank understands what it takes to keep Ocean County one of the most affordable places to live, work and raise a family in all of New Jersey.”

Holzapfel said he’s known Sadeghi for more than two decades.

“Throughout that time, Frank has always put the interests of the local community first,” Holzapfel said.  “He has been a dedicated fundraiser for community causes and is always seeking the next opportunity to help those In need.”

Connors, who is not seeking re-election this year, called Sadeghi one of his biggest supporters of Republican candidates in Ocean.

Moran, a former assemblyman, echoed that.

“I’ve known Frank since we worked together on a campaign nearly 20 years ago,” he said.  “There’s no better person to join the Board of Commissioners than Frank Sadeghi.”