Rory Wells (left) - Jack Kelly, 73, right.

U. S. Marine, veteran prosecutor seeks to defeat 73-year-old career politician in ocean county race — Rory Wells (left) - Jack Kelly, 73, right.

TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Rory Wells, a Republican candidate seeking the position of Ocean County Clerk, is gaining momentum just weeks after launching his campaign at a kickoff rally.

Wells is looking to defeat Ocean County Commissioner Jack Kelly, who has held a seat on the Ocean County board for more than thirty years. During that time, Kelly has faced tumultuous times, seemingly eternally seeking a second government job through his relationship with Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore. With the retirement of Clerk Scott Collabella, Gilmore slotted Kelly into that spot on the ballot.

Kelly was placed on the ballot at this year’s county convention, but the ailing, and aging commissioner was unable to attend the event due to health problems.

Wells feels confident he can defeat Ocean County’s aging and retiring old guard as many county level elected officials have already been removed and replaced, including Commissioners Joe Vicari, Bobbi Jo Crea, Virginia Haines, and Gary Quinn.

Wells is a United States Marine Corps veteran and former Assistant Prosecutor in Ocean County.

“Things are going very well as I continue to greet supporters all over the county and introduce myself to the voters of Ocean County,” Wells said while reflecting on the early progress of his campaign.

Wells is contesting the GOP primary for a spot on the ballot in November’s general election. Mail-in ballots for the June primary began going out on Saturday, April 19. Early in-person voting will run from June 3 to June 8, with Primary Election Day scheduled for June 10.

“I have had quite a few people come up to me stating the need for a new voice moving forward and expressing support with my candidacy,” Wells added. “I was out walking door to door with some volunteers last week and was very encouraged at the response I was getting. I am qualified for this position, and I am asking for the vote.”

Clerk position responsibilities

The Ocean County Clerk is one of the county’s Constitutional Officers, tasked with overseeing a wide range of official responsibilities. These include supervising the filing and recording of real estate documents, processing passport applications for international travel, and administering all elections throughout the county.

Wells is continuing to campaign across Ocean County as he looks to secure the Republican nomination for the key county post.

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