LAKEWOOD, NJ – Rabbi Avi Schnall, a religious and political leader representing the growing Orthodox Jewish community at the Jersey Shore, has announced he is exploring a run for state office.
Schnall, a Republican, announced he will switch parties and run for office as a Democrat in the state’s 30th District.
Schnall’s plan does not include a challenge to New Jersey GOP Senator Robert Singer, signaling his move could also have the support of many Republicans in the county who feel local Republicans have been ineffective in enacting local change and legislation to benefit the Jersey Shore region for decades.
Schnall would be eyeing seats currently occupied by Republicans Sean Kean and Ned Thomson, two nearly invisible men when it comes to the state legislature.
Schnall said he wants to see the state start taking the Jersey Shore seriously when it comes to school funding and infrastructure.
The Jersey Shore is a Republican stronghold, and currently elected Republican leaders have been deficient when it comes to fighting for the region’s fair share of state and federal funding through the state.
Although President Donald Trump won Lakewood with am 92-18% majority in the 2021 Presidential Election, many in the 30th District said Schnall, a well respected community leader could possibly pull it off, making him the first Orthodox Jewish elected official in New Jersey.