TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Going into the biggest Republican stronghold in New Jersey, Jack Ciattarelli felt good on Tuesday night in Toms River with the endorsement of the Lakewood Republican Club. He later discovered that endorsement was not enough to get him over the top.
Former radio personality Bill Spadea secured a decisive victory at the Ocean County GOP convention Tuesday night, winning the endorsement of New Jersey’s most influential Republican county, the only convention he has committed to participating in.
Spadea defeated Ciattarelli by a wide margin of 129-83. State Sen. Jon Bramnick (R-Westfield), former State Sen. Ed Durr (R-Logan), and other potential candidates did not file to run.
“Tonight, the largest Republican organization in the state spoke clearly. I’m honored and humbled to have the support of the Ocean County GOP behind my campaign,” Spadea said.
Ciattarelli’s alliances with the recently formed Republicans of Toms River, an unrecognized party that was founded by those loyal to former Mayor Maurice Hill, could have cost him the election, as Toms River’s delegation voted for Spadea. Neither John Bramnick nor Ed Durr ran at the convention.
With nearly 200,000 registered Republicans, Ocean County holds the highest GOP voter base in the state, making up 12% of New Jersey’s Republican electorate.
The county has 20% more registered Republicans than Monmouth County and 40% more than Morris County. Ocean County was the deciding factor in both of former Governor Chris Christie’s victory.
Despite earning the backing of the coveted Lakewood Republican Club, Ciattarelli fell short in the vote. His decision to align with allies of former Mayor Maurice Hill proved costly, particularly in Toms River, where he lost key support.
The Ocean County convention could just be what Spadea needs to turn the tide against Ciattarelli, where is leading in early polls.