Toms river democrats failed to stop "right-wing extremists" in failed election bid

Toms River Democrats Failed to Stop “Right-Wing Extremists” in Failed Election Bid

TOMS RIVER. NJ – Toms River Democrats went into panic mode as mayoral candidate Ben Giovine was been unable to raise sufficient funds from his party to battle Republican opponent Dan Rodrick. That led Democrats in town to resort to drastic fear-mongering tactics against their neighbors.

A mailer sent out by Ocean County Democrat Organization called for voters to show up at town hall and “Help us fight right-wing extremism in Toms River.”

The mailer was endorsed by the party’s candidate for mayor, Ben Giovine, according to sources within the party.

“Attn: Toms River Democrats,” the mailer read in bold. “Right-wing extremists must be stopped.”

Toms river democrats failed to stop "right-wing extremists" in failed election bid
Photo: toms river democrats failed to stop "right-wing extremists" in failed election bid

The advertisement goes on to claim Republicans in Toms River “tried to overthrow democracy”.

“They tried to overthrow our democracy. They stole our right to choose,” the mailer continued. “What’s Next? Come meet your fellow Toms River Democrats to discuss organizing for a post-Trump world.”

The Toms River Democrats and Giovine did not define what a ‘right-wing extremist’ was, but photos of President Donald J. Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and Trump supporters were prominently pictured on the postcard mailed out only to Democrats in town.

That week, Giovine traveled to Lakewood in an attempt to court the bloc vote among Orthodox Jewish residents in Lakewood and Toms River saying, “We need to educate the community about the needs of the religious community in Toms River.”

On Friday, Giovine was scheduled to meet with Muslim voters.

After the October 6th terrorist attack in Israel that left over 1,500 innocent Israelis dead, Maor Mo Hill, Dan Rodrick and the Toms River Council issued a statement condemning the slaughter of innocent women and children.

Masid Bilal issued a statement condemning the council for their support of the massacred Israelis and the Israeli people.

Masjid Bilal fired back at the township, saying, “Toms River Muslim community, disagree with Toms River Government Facebook post that supports aggression, destroying homes, killing civilian children and women. Stealing the land from the rightful owners.”

Giovine lost Tuesday’s election to Republican Dan Rodrick who campaigned on local kitchen table topics.

Toms river democrats failed to stop "right-wing extremists" in failed election bid
Photo: toms river democrats failed to stop "right-wing extremists" in failed election bid
Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.