TOMS RIVER, NJ — Gun control advocate and Democratic National Committee Vice Chair David Hogg is set to speak at Ocean County College this Thursday, March 27, at 11 a.m., in an event sparking attention across the county due to his political profile and the conservative leanings of the college foundation’s board.
The appearance was approved by the board of trustees, which includes a list of who’s who in Ocean County Republican politics. The board and college did not say how much they have paid Hogg for his appearance, although it is estimated that he charges between $15,000 and $25,000 per engagement.
The event, titled “A Conversation with David Hogg,” is part of the Blauvelt Speaker Series, a long-running program that brings national figures to the Grunin Center’s Gateway Lecture Hall. Attendance is free with advance registration, and the talk will also be livestreamed.
Hogg, 24, rose to prominence following the 2018 Parkland school shooting and has since co-founded March For Our Lives, becoming one of the country’s most recognizable voices on gun reform. His visit is expected to center on activism, civic engagement, and youth involvement in politics.
The Ocean County College Foundation, which is organizing the event, is governed by a board packed with prominent Republicans, including Ocean County Commissioner Virginia Haines, State Senator Robert Singer, and GOP megadonor Lawrence Bathgate.
Former Ocean County GOP Chairman Joseph Buckelew also serves on the board.
Their leadership has drawn attention to the decision to host Hogg in a county that has consistently supported pro-gun, conservative policies.
Still, the foundation’s record includes hosting a wide range of speakers, such as CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta and environmentalist Philippe Cousteau, signaling a broader commitment to dialogue over political ideology.
Sponsors of the Blauvelt Speaker Series include the Wintrode Family Foundation and local law firm Carluccio, Leone, Dimon, Doyle & Sacks.
Steve Leone, a principal at the law firm is considered the primary Democrat party ‘power broker’ in Ocean County.
Ocean County Commissioner Jennifer Baschione, a Republican who serves as liaison to the college, said she had just become aware of the event. Baschione took over the spot from Commissioner Virginia Haines in January. She said the event was scheduled when Haines was the liaison to the board.
Haines did not comment on the event being approved under her watch. She also serves on the college’s board of Trustees.
Baschione said she contacted the college after learning about the engagement, but officials told her the event would go on as planned.
“I asked if, in return, we could get alternative viewpoints and if we could get conservative speakers at the college, too,” she said.
