Toms River, NJ – The recent Toms River GOP club meeting was marked by a somber atmosphere as Republican leaders acknowledged a setback in the political career of Mayor Mo Hill. Hill, along with his running mates Matt Lotano, Josh Kopp, and Kevin Geoghegan, were defeated by an alternative Republican ticket led by Councilman Dan Rodrick.
Hill’s team had publicly censured Rodrick during their unsuccessful four-year campaign to silence the councilman, who consistently voiced objections to Hill’s vision of transforming Toms River into a small city. Hill and his council allies accused Rodrick of promoting an anti-development message that they claimed was anti-Semitic.
During the primary election, Rodrick secured a decisive victory over Hill’s team, winning by a 2-1 margin at the polls. Additionally, he defeated rogue Republicans who had endorsed Geri Ambrosio, a candidate backed by Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore, by the same margin.
The monthly meeting of the Republicans for Toms River club took place on Monday at Battle River Brewing in Downtown Toms River. Following the meeting, the club issued a statement expressing gratitude to Mayor Hill, Councilman Lotano, Kopp, and Geoghegan for their dedicated service to the township. The club also stated its commitment to supporting the Republican team in the upcoming November elections and defeating the Democrats, with the aim of maintaining Toms River and Ocean County as exceptional places to live, work, and raise families.
While Mayor Hill’s political career has come to an end, the future of his younger allies, such as Matt Lotano, Josh Kopp, and Kevin Geoghegan, remains uncertain in the local political landscape.
There are indications that Hill may soon be relocating from Toms River. An email, shared among members of the Orthodox Jewish community, revealed Hill’s intention to sell his home and leave Toms River if he lost the primary to Rodrick.
Hill’s public information officer, Art Gallagher said during the campaign, when asked about the email, that Hill would have to leave because he couldn’t afford the taxes if Rodrick or Ambrosio won.
Gallagher today confirmed he was being cheeky in his response during the campaign.
Efforts to unite Toms River Republicans under Rodrick’s leadership this year have faced challenges as the two sides he defeated in the polls have yet to come to terms in the light of his win completely.
A recent meeting between GOP Chairman George Gilmore and his allies, along with the rival faction led by township attorney Greg McGuckin, failed to yield any results. Sources indicate that Rodrick and his team were not invited to the meeting.
Rodrick is expected to emerge victorious in November, regardless of the willingness of GOP insiders to unite behind him.
Meanwhile, the Democrats are grappling with the prospect of challenging a popular Republican candidate who has gained support from both sides of the aisle through a non-partisan platform centered around combating overdevelopment and special interests in Toms River.