President Donald Trump has credited him for helping flip neighboring Pennsylvania red in 2024, but as he sets his sights on flipping New Jersey in 2025, some extremists in the Republican party are saying, “No thanks.”
Why? Because he’s gay.
In the wake of a contentious post by a relatively anonymous user on X (formerly Twitter), New Jersey Republicans find themselves in the midst of a significant internal debate. The focus of this discord is Scott Presler, an openly gay conservative activist who has been instrumental in voter registration drives, notably contributing to Donald Trump’s victory in Pennsylvania.
Now, as Presler sets his sights on turning New Jersey red, his sexual orientation has become a flashpoint within the party, highlighting deep-seated tensions over identity and acceptance in Republican politics.
The photo showed Pressler in an intimate but harmless exchange with another man. Now, many on the far-right in the state are calling for Republicans to disavow Pressler despite their inability to rally successful federal and state-level candidates on their own for decades.
The X user Antunes, which is, by far, not a serious X account, started the firestorm, and Republicans are taking the bait, hook, line, and sinker.
Scott Presler has been a prominent figure in conservative circles for years. Known for his work with the Early Vote Action PAC, he has organized voter registration initiatives targeting groups like hunters, truckers, and the Amish, demographics traditionally considered ripe for Republican appeals. His efforts were widely credited with helping to flip Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state, in favor of Donald Trump during the 2024 election.
Presler’s approach to politics has always included a heavy emphasis on grassroots mobilization, focusing on long-term voter engagement rather than just election-time activities. His strategy has been to expand the Republican base by registering conservative voters who might not typically engage in political processes like early voting or mail-in ballots.
The discord within the New Jersey GOP was ignited by an anonymous post on X, which, while attempting to ‘out’ Presler, ironically highlighted his already well-known sexual orientation.
Despite Presler never concealing his identity, this act of so-called revelation has led to a split among New Jersey Republicans. Some far-right elements within the party have used this as a pretext to call for his ouster, arguing that his lifestyle is at odds with traditional conservative values.
In essence, they are willing to sacrifice the 2025 election because they don’t want help from a gay man.
On one side, there are influential voices within the Republican Party who recognize Presler’s effectiveness and contributions. They argue that his sexual orientation should not detract from his political acumen or the results he delivers. Posts found on X show appreciation from many who see his work as beneficial to the party’s goals, with sentiments highlighting his patriotism, hard work, and commitment to conservative causes.
However, the opposition is vocal, with some far-right conservatives asserting that the GOP should not be represented by someone whose personal life contradicts what they perceive as core Republican values. This faction worries that Presler’s visibility might alienate the party’s more traditional voter base, potentially causing a rift that could affect future electoral outcomes.
It’s why Republicans never win anything in New Jersey. When they’re not fighting each other over political power grabs, they’re fighting each other over who is more conservative. Or, as we saw on stage in last week’s debate, who is more Trump? While New Jerseyans wanted to hear about policies and plans, what we got was an hours-long debate over who was the most and least-Trumpiest candidate of them all.
This situation underscores a larger debate within the Republican Party about inclusivity versus traditionalism. As the party seeks to expand its appeal to a broader electorate, it faces the challenge of reconciling its diverse membership with its historical voter base.
Presler’s case is a litmus test for how the GOP navigates these waters in New Jersey, a state with a history of Democratic dominance that the Republicans are eager to challenge.
The controversy also brings to light the role of digital platforms in political discourse. An anonymous post on a social media site has the power to amplify existing frictions within political groups, potentially influencing real-world political strategies and alliances.
As New Jersey approaches its next gubernatorial race, the Republican Party’s stance on Presler could set a precedent for how it addresses internal diversity. If the party chooses to sideline him, it might appease some traditionalists but could also alienate moderates and younger voters who are more open to diverse representation. Conversely, supporting Presler could signal a shift towards a more inclusive Republican Party, possibly broadening its appeal but at the risk of losing support from its conservative core.
Despite the drama, Pressler says he’s putting his head down, ignoring the noise, and will continue to help New Jersey Republicans register more voters ahead of the 2025 gubernatorial election.