Three outsiders challenge the monmouth county machine in gop primary
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Three Outsiders Challenge the Monmouth County Machine in GOP Primary

by
April 3, 2025
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'Empire-builders': Three conservative Republicans launch primary challenge against Monmouth GOP incumbents

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — A trio of conservative Republicans is mounting a primary challenge against Monmouth County’s GOP incumbents, launching a campaign aimed at shaking up what they describe as an entrenched political establishment.

Danielle Bellomo of Marlboro, Mary C. “Katie” Kelliher of Freehold Township, and Ronald Osadacz Jr., also of Freehold Township, have filed nominating petitions under the banner of “Monmouth County Conservative Republicans.” Bellomo is running for County Clerk, while Kelliher and Osadacz are seeking seats on the Monmouth County Board of Commissioners.

Key Points

  • Three Republican challengers are running under the “Monmouth County Conservative Republicans” banner.
  • The candidates are targeting affordability issues and criticizing county government spending.
  • The Monmouth Executive Airport controversy is cited as an example of alleged mismanagement.

“I think the county government incumbents have been in office so long they forgot what it means to be cost-conscience conservatives,” said Bellomo, a member of the Marlboro Board of Education. She pledged to streamline the clerk’s office and focus on efficient public service.

Kelliher, a real estate professional, said affordability for seniors and young families is her top concern. “Every day, I see people forced to sell their homes because they cannot afford to live in Monmouth County — and young families shut out of the housing market,” she said.

Osadacz, who is also seeking a commissioner seat, echoed concerns about affordability and criticized the current commissioners for expanding county government. “They are empire-building,” Osadacz said. “I’m not interested in building a political empire; I’m concerned about people struggling to get by every day.”

The conservative slate pointed to the county’s handling of the Monmouth Executive Airport as an example of what they call mismanaged priorities. The candidates cited legal and PR expenses tied to the county’s attempt to acquire the airport as a misuse of taxpayer funds. “The taxpayers still have no idea what the real reason was,” Osadacz said.

Transparency and accountability were emphasized as core issues by all three candidates, who argued the current administration operates without public insight. “The county commissioners run a very closed government for the benefit of themselves and other political insiders,” Osadacz added.

Three conservative Republicans are pushing to unseat Monmouth County GOP leaders they accuse of building a taxpayer-funded political empire.

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