TRENTON, N.J. – Rosemary Becchi, who lost her bid for New Jersey Republican Party chair to Monmouth County Clerk Christine Hanlon on Monday, is facing sharp criticism from America First conservatives after publicly supporting a Democrat lawmaker who encouraged Republicans to back Democratic candidates.
Becchi, a longtime GOP strategist and former congressional candidate, came under renewed fire this week for her past praise of Assemblyman Avi Schnall of Lakewood.
Schnall, a former Republican who switched parties before winning his seat as a Democrat, has urged Republican voters to support Democratic candidates in both the state Senate and Assembly.
After losing the chair election, Becchi dismissed the criticism from conservative activist and broadcaster Mike Crispi, who accused her of “helping Democrats” and undermining party unity.
“I won’t respond to Mike Crispi’s baseless accusation that I help Democrats,” Becchi said. But America First-aligned Republicans have seized on her ties to Schnall, arguing that her outreach to crossover figures reflects a broader pattern of establishment Republicans “appeasing Democrats.”
Later, photos of Becchi, an ally of embattled GOP Chairman George Gilmore surfaced at multiple political events alongside Schnall.
The controversy has amplified tensions inside the state GOP, where party leaders are divided between traditional conservatives seeking broader appeal and populist factions demanding ideological purity. Critics circulated social media posts showing Becchi attending bipartisan events and honoring Democrats, arguing such gestures signal weakness heading into the 2026 election cycle.
Becchi’s defeat cements Hanlon’s leadership at a time when Republicans are seeking to rebuild momentum after losing ground in recent statewide races. Hanlon, a Monmouth County official with deep party ties, has pledged to unify the GOP around shared priorities and expand its base across New Jersey’s suburban and working-class communities.
