TOMS RIVER, NJ – The people of Toms River have spoken. Toms River Councilman Daniel Rodrick defeated both sects of the feuding Ocean County and Toms River Republican party by defeating incumbent mayor Maurice “Mo” Hill and Geri Ambrosio last night.
Rodrick and his running mates Thomas Nivison, Lynn O’Toole, and Craig Coleman swept their opponents who represented warring factions of two competing Toms River Republican clubs, the Republicans for Toms River, which endorsed Hill and the Toms River GOP, which endorsed Ambrosio.
Rodrick received 4,567 votes, or 45% of the total vote count. Ambrosio finished second with 27% of the vote and Mo Hill finished third with 21% of the vote. A fourth candidate, Robert Bianchini, had just 5% of the vote.
The victory is a huge defeat for Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore and New Jersey Assemblyman Greg McGuckin, seen as the leaders of the two warring factions in the Ocean County Republican establishment.
Voters, in a high turnout for a primary election overwhelmingly rejected the party nominees and chose Rodrick and his team, who were not affiliated with any organized Republican club in Toms River.
Hill and his team will serve the remained of their term until December 31.
Rodrick and his team will now go against Democrat Mark Furey for Mayor in November, where Rodrick is the favorite to win and become the next mayor of Toms River.
