RIDGEWOOD, N.J. – Former congressional candidate Frank Pallotta is taking aim at North Jersey Republican leaders, accusing them of betraying party members after endorsing Tiffany Burress for Congress in New Jersey’s 9th District — despite, he claims, her facing multiple foreclosures and recent financial troubles.
In a sharply worded letter circulated Friday, Pallotta called out Bergen County GOP Chair Jack DeLorenzo, Passaic County Chair Peter Murphy, and Hudson County Chair Jose Arango for what he described as a “premature and ill-advised” endorsement. The move, he wrote, either shows “carelessness” in vetting or “complicity” in ignoring serious personal financial issues involving their chosen candidate.
Court filings, Pallotta asserted, show Burress and her husband are facing foreclosure on a $1.5 million Totowa home — a situation he says follows “hundreds of missed payments” and “multiple loan modifications.”
He also claimed it would be at least the couple’s third property foreclosure.
GOP insider rift widens over NJ-9 race
Pallotta, who twice ran as the Republican nominee in the 5th Congressional District, accused county leadership of making a “backroom deal” without input from local party members. “They deceived every Republican in the district,” he wrote. “The Three Stooges could not have done a worse job.”
He also criticized Burress’s recent party switch, saying she became a registered Republican only 62 days before launching her campaign — and doesn’t currently live in the district she seeks to represent.
Pallotta argued the endorsement jeopardizes what could be a winnable race for Republicans. “District 9 is more competitive today than it’s been in decades,” he wrote, noting the GOP narrowed the margin to five points in 2024. “The GOP has a real shot to take back this seat, but only if we put up a candidate who can actually win.”
- Frank Pallotta accused county chairs of making a “backroom” endorsement deal
- Claimed endorsed candidate Tiffany Burress faces foreclosure and legal issues
- Warned the move threatens GOP chances in New Jersey’s 9th Congressional District
Burress campaign silent amid growing criticism
As of Friday afternoon, Burress and her campaign team had not responded publicly to the accusations. Party officials in Bergen, Passaic, and Hudson counties also declined immediate comment.
Pallotta urged Republican voters to reject what he called “insider politics” and to demand “competence, transparency, and accountability” from those seeking federal office.
“The time is now. The decision is yours,” he concluded.
North Jersey GOP faces internal revolt over controversial congressional endorsement
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