Toms river mayor candidate eyes religious bloc vote as key in path to victory — Democrat candidate for mayor Ben Giovine

TOMS RIVER, NJ – Ben Giovine, Democratic candidate for Toms River mayor, is actively seeking endorsement from Jewish community leaders in the region, in an attempt to defeat his Republican opponent, Dan Rodrick.

Giovine, who currently serves as the regional director for Democratic Congressman Andy Kim, has approached the Toms River Jewish Community Council (TRJCC) for an official endorsement in the upcoming November election. He is running against Toms River Councilman Dan Rodrick. Both Giovine and Congressman Kim have criticized Rodrick’s stance against high-density development in Downtown Toms River.

In the June election, the TRJCC had endorsed Rodrick’s opponent, Geri Ambrosio. However, the council has not yet announced who it will endorse for the November election.

Giovine has held several meetings with leaders in the Jewish community, aiming to secure the bloc vote. This endorsement is considered crucial by many, as it could significantly influence the election outcome, helping Giovine close the gap with Rodrick.

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Jewish community leaders have expressed dissatisfaction with Rodrick in the past. However, it remains uncertain whether they will back Giovine, whose political ideology is seen by some as contradictory to their religious beliefs but have criticized Rodrick in the past.

In previous elections for Governor, Jewish community leaders in the area endorsed Governor Phil Murphy, but this endorsement did not translate into a large number of votes. Murphy received roughly 50% of the votes in Lakewood, far below projected numbers.

Rodrick argues that Giovine’s track record as an elected Toms River school board member in the past does not bode well for the Democrat’s candidacy. According to Rodrick, school taxes rose each year Giovine and his team were in charge. Rodrick also mentioned that Giovine endorsed former councilmembers Terrance Turnbach and Laurie Huryk, who are both reportedly involved in his campaign. During their time in office, Turnbach and Huryk supported high-density development, Mo Hill’s downtown 10-story twin towers, and censured Rodrick for his opposition of overdevelopment in the community.

The TRJCC’s endorsement decision remains pending, adding another layer of complexity to an already contentious race.

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