Steinhardt names Valenziano as state party executive director

Phil Valenziano, who managed Jay Webber’s 2018 congressional race and ran Chris Christie’s Iowa presidential campaign, will be the new executive director of the New Jersey Republican State Committee.

Valenziano is Republican State Chairman Doug Steinhardt’s pick to succeed Theresa Winegar, who is leaving after two years to become campaign manager for Tom Kean’s congressional bid.

“Republicans in New Jersey have real opportunities in 2020 and 2021 and Phil is a sharp an experienced operative,” said Steinhardt.  “He will be a tremendous asset as the NJGOP helps deliver a majority in Congress and takes back the Governorship.”

Prior to returning to New Jersey, Valenziano worked for Iowa governors Terry Branstad and Kim Reynolds.

Steinhardt praised Winegar’ s tenure as executive director.

“Theresa Winegar has been an integral part of the NJGOP’s fight to re-build, re-brand and re-engage,” the state chairman said. “Her leadership helped lead us to our best legislative gains in 28 years, and a completely re-invigorated GOP in New Jersey. She will be sorely missed.”