TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Is it the latest political financial grift by federally convicted tax cheat, Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore, or a play at reestablishing relevance for a former New Jersey Governor time has forgotten, but many in New Jersey have not?
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is rebuilding ties with local Republican organizations after launching the New Jersey Legacy PAC with longtime political ally and Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore.
When Chris Christie isn’t on ABC News bashing President Trump and parading with a left-leaning network as a ‘conservative analyst ‘, he’s back to partying with the man who put him in office back in 2009.
Except this time, things are different. Back then, George Gilmore was a powerful GOP leader with a proven track record. Chris Christie was a presidential prospect.
Today, both men have lost much of their influence and political clout, but their ability to raise money, dish out political patronage, jobs, and leverage their fading star power gives many within the NJ Republican establishment a glimmer of hope that some scraps could fall on the floor in their direction.
If they think this is Christie’s road to the White House, one thing is certain, Gilmore isn’t the only one who is mentally ill, it appears Chris Christie’s lap bind is also wound a bit too tight.
But many conservatives see this new PAC for what it’s worth. A new political grift to shake down influential and powerful donors for a few bucks, selling a snake-oil-salesman-style dream that this is the new future of the New Jersey Republican Party.
It’s not. Gilmore, a political lobbyist facing millions of dollars in IRS liens after his conviction and prison sentence, where his defense was that he was mentally ill, is no stranger to using political movements for personal enrichment.
Gilmore earned tens of thousands of dollars in payments from Bill Spadea’s failed political campaign, and local GOP leaders allege that the county chairman takes financial payments for his lobbying services involving pay-to-play contractors and government professionals.
Sorry, if we’re not buying into the latest shiny new fundraising platform.
This week, Christie served as the featured speaker at a New Jersey Legacy PAC event attended by members of the Red, White & Blue Federated Republican Women of Ocean County, according to the organization.
The event marked one of Christie’s first public appearances promoting the new political action committee, which is expected to play a role in upcoming New Jersey legislative elections and future gubernatorial races.
Christie outlines strategy for winning New Jersey
According to the Republican women’s organization, Christie spoke about campaign strategy and the challenges facing Republicans in New Jersey.
“Governor Chris Christie joined the evening and shared his perspective on what it takes to win elections in New Jersey, offering valuable insight from his years in public service and statewide politics,” the group said in a social media post.
The organization also thanked the New Jersey Legacy PAC “for hosting an informative and enjoyable evening” and described the event as “a great opportunity to connect with fellow Republicans from across New Jersey.”
New PAC targets future state elections
The New Jersey Legacy PAC is a state-level super PAC associated with Christie and Gilmore that is expected to focus on New Jersey legislative races and future gubernatorial election cycles.
There’s just two problems.
First, Gilmore hasn’t won a meaningful state or federal-level election since his conviction and ouster as the GOP Chairman on tax-cheating convictions.
Curtis Bashaw, Bill Spadea, David Richter, and James McGreevey.
Wait what? James McGreevey? Wasn’t he that creepy Democat homosexual guy who had sexual affairs with other gay men at New Jersey rest stops? Yes, that James McGreevey. Gilmore not only endorsed his campaign for mayor of Jersey City, but he also held a lavish fundraiser for the former disgraced governor.
Is this the guy who is now going to lead New Jersey’s conservatives?
Because it is organized as a state political committee, campaign finance reports and disclosures are filed with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) rather than the Federal Election Commission.
The PAC’s launch has already generated discussion among Republican activists as the party begins positioning for the 2027 legislative elections and the 2029 governor’s race.
The PAC’s face name is Theresa Mondella, known as Gilmore’s “money girl”. Mondella, the former OC GOP finance director, has been Gilmore’s key revenue generator since leaving that post.
Some are questioning the PAC’s motives.
Mike Crispi, head of America First New Jersey, who criticized the effort on social media, described the organization as a new super PAC created by Christie and Gilmore ahead of those election cycles.
The New Jersey Legacy PAC has not publicly announced candidate endorsements or specific spending plans.
“Chris Christie and his #1 New Jersey ally, George Gilmore, have launched a NEW Super PAC (called New Jersey Legacy PAC) ahead of the 2027 legislative races and 2029 Governor race. Christie was the keynote speaker at their kickoff event last night. Shockingly, some “high-profile” state legislators also spoke at the event. Imagine thinking these people should have ANY say in the future of our party,” Crispi said.
Meanwhile, in Ocean County, Gilmore faces internal turmoil, including rival Republican factions in Brick, Toms River, and Jackson, three of the largest towns in the county. He has reportedly split from his key political partner, County Commissioner Frank Sadeghi, in a dispute that has been playing out like a bitter divorce more than a parting of ways between a successful businessman who jettisoned his dead weight before it brought him down.
Why It Matters
Christie’s appearance alongside Gilmore comes after years in which the former governor maintained a relatively limited role in New Jersey Republican grassroots politics. The formation of the New Jersey Legacy PAC suggests Christie intends to again play an active role in shaping the direction of the state GOP as preparations begin for future statewide elections.
Key Points
- Chris Christie appeared at the first public event for the newly formed New Jersey Legacy PAC.
- Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore is a key figure behind the new state political action committee.
- The PAC is expected to participate in future New Jersey legislative and gubernatorial election cycles.
FAQ
What is the New Jersey Legacy PAC?
It is a state-level political action committee associated with former Gov. Chris Christie and Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore.
What was the event?
A gathering hosted by the New Jersey Legacy PAC that featured Christie as the keynote speaker and was attended by members of the Red, White & Blue Federated Republican Women of Ocean County.
What did Christie discuss?
According to attendees, he shared his views on what it takes for Republicans to win elections in New Jersey.
Where are the PAC’s financial reports filed?
With the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC), which oversees state campaign finance reporting.
Has the PAC announced endorsements?
No endorsements or spending plans have been publicly announced.
Source: Red, White & Blue Federated Republican Women of Ocean County, New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission, Mike Crispi on X
