TOMS RIVER, N.J. — The Ocean County Republican Organization has yet to fully throw its support behind Jack Ciattarelli, the GOP nominee for New Jersey governor, following the defeat of its endorsed candidate, Bill Spadea, in the June 10 primary.
Two weeks after the election, the Ocean County GOP still identifies Bill Spadea as its endorsed 2025 candidate for governor.
Despite issuing a statement congratulating Ciattarelli and calling for unity, the county GOP has not issued a direct endorsement or addressed Spadea’s continued refusal to back the party’s nominee. Spadea, who was publicly supported by Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore, has remained silent on Ciattarelli’s win and has not conceded the race.
“We congratulate Jack Ciattarelli on his primary victory and becoming the Republican nominee for Governor,” the Ocean County GOP said in a social media post. The statement also praised Spadea for running “a passionate, hard-fought campaign,” but made no mention of his decision not to endorse Ciattarelli.
Gilmore, a powerful figure in Ocean County politics and Spadea’s paid political advisor, has not commented publicly on Spadea’s post-election conduct. His silence has raised questions among party officials and local Republicans about the organization’s current direction and leadership priorities.
Political observers have noted that the lack of a unified front could hinder Republican efforts in the upcoming general election. Ocean County is traditionally a Republican stronghold and has played a key role in past statewide campaigns.
The Ocean County GOP has also been accused by many of operating “Fake News” websites such as The Jersey Press and Ocean County Conservative News, both sides active in the weeks before the election have gone silent as of June 10th. Both sites have been linked to the Ocean County GOP, specifically county GOP henchmen like former Plumsted Mayor Dominick Cuozzo and former Manchester Mayor Robert Arace.
This weekend, Cuozzo inadvertently admitted to having a role in the website’s operations via text.
The sites drew slight interest online by launching vicious and false information attacks against Republicans throughout the area and against any Republicans who did not tow the line for the organization’s convicted felon leader, Chairman George Gilmore, who publicly admitted that he suffers from mental illness, in a failed attempt to avoid prison time.
Mixed messaging from local leadership
While the organization emphasized its continued dominance in local races, its approach to the gubernatorial contest has remained measured. The statement listed a series of down-ballot endorsements and victories but did not reiterate support for Ciattarelli beyond the congratulatory line.
“Our mission is to provide the responsible leadership our residents deserve, promote conservative values, and pave the way for Republican victories in November,” the group said.
This marks the second consecutive cycle where Spadea has declined to support Ciattarelli following a primary defeat. In both instances, the Ocean County GOP has walked a fine line between celebrating its preferred candidate and acknowledging the official nominee.
The fallout highlights internal divisions within the state’s Republican ranks as party leaders weigh loyalty, unity, and strategic planning for the general election.
Ocean County GOP leaders offered thanks to Spadea but stopped short of condemning his decision to sit out Ciattarelli’s campaign.
