Virginia “Ginny” Haines marks her 80th birthday after a career spanning the New Jersey Legislature, the New Jersey Lottery, the Republican National Committee, and Ocean County government.
Toms River, NJ – Ocean County Commissioner Virginia E. “Ginny” Haines is celebrating her 80th birthday, marking a lifetime of public service that has made her one of New Jersey’s longest-serving Republican leaders.
Born in Point Pleasant on June 6, 1946, Haines has spent more than three decades in elected office and public administration, serving in leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels. She currently serves on the Ocean County Board of County Commissioners, where she has held office since being appointed in 2016.
Haines’ political career began in earnest after serving as Clerk of the New Jersey General Assembly from 1987 to 1990. She was elected to represent New Jersey’s 10th Legislative District in the General Assembly in 1991 alongside Assemblyman David W. Wolfe and was reelected in 1993.
Leadership in Trenton and the New Jersey Lottery
Haines resigned from the Assembly in 1994 after being nominated by then-Gov. Christine Todd Whitman to serve as executive director of the New Jersey Lottery. She led the lottery until 2002, overseeing one of the state’s most recognizable public agencies.
Her career later expanded to national Republican politics. Beginning in 2004, Haines served as New Jersey’s Republican National Committeewoman, representing the state on the Republican National Committee for more than two decades before concluding her tenure in March 2025.
During her time with the RNC, she served on several national committees, including the Ethics Committee, Rules Committee, and Site Selection Committee, and was elected co-chair of the Northeast Region in 2013. She also represented New Jersey as a delegate to the 2008 and 2012 Republican National Conventions.
Serving Ocean County
Haines returned to elected office in January 2016 when she was selected to fill a vacancy on the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders, now known as the Board of County Commissioners, following the resignation of James F. Lacey. She became only the second woman to serve on the county governing body since its establishment in 1850.
Since joining the board, Haines has focused on human services and social services initiatives. Voters returned her to office in 2016 and again in 2019, allowing her to continue representing Ocean County residents.
A graduate of Lakewood High School and an attendee of Ocean County College, Haines has remained a prominent figure in New Jersey Republican politics while maintaining deep ties to Ocean County throughout her career.
As she celebrates her 80th birthday, Haines continues her service as an Ocean County commissioner, capping a public career that has included legislative leadership, state administration, and national party service.
Key Points
- Ginny Haines celebrated her 80th birthday on June 6 after decades of public service.
- She has served in the New Jersey General Assembly, led the New Jersey Lottery, and represented New Jersey on the Republican National Committee.
- Haines has served on the Ocean County Board of County Commissioners since 2016 and continues in office.
Related: Ginny Haines, Ocean County, Toms River, New Jersey Lottery, New Jersey Republican Party