Ocean County Democratic Chairman Wyatt Earp was re-elected tonight, defeating a progressive challenger, Stafford Democratic Club President Alison Miller, in a landslide.
Earp won 230 to 180, a 56%-44% margin, to hold on to the party post he first won 21 years ago.
The entire Earp slate also coasted to victory, including Kathy Firsich, the new vice chair, in a race run by the venerable Marta Harrison.
Frisch defeated Owen Bros, 248-162.
Gabriel Franco was elected recording secretary by a vote of 237-192 against Laurie Singer, and Dan Ward prevailed in a contest for corresponding secretary against Pat Trotter by a vote of 242-166. In the race for treasurer, Nick Montenegro defeated Catherine Bailey, 242-166.
Earp had the backing of Assemblyman Avi Schnall (D-Lakewood), Brick Mayor Lisa Crate, and Lakewood Mayor Raymond Coles.
Four years ago, Earp was re-elected in 2022 by 8 percentage points over former Toms River Councilman Terrance Turnbach.
Earp was an international representative of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the president of the Monmouth-Ocean Central Labor Council. He became county chairman in 2005 after Fred Potter stepped down.