Former NJ 101.5 radio host Bill Spadea secured the endorsement of the Ocean County Republican Convention in his bid for governor, edging out former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli by a vote of 129 to 83. However, the results, rather than serving as a boost for Spadea’s campaign, raise serious questions about his viability, particularly in a county where GOP boss George Gilmore has staunchly backed him.
Spadea’s win, while significant, falls far short of the dominance expected in Ocean County, a Republican stronghold where Gilmore’s influence is typically decisive. The lackluster margin appears to confirm recent polling that has shown Ciattarelli with a strong lead in the race for the Republican gubernatorial nomination. Given that Ocean County is one of the most reliable Republican bases in the state, Spadea’s underwhelming performance suggests he faces an uphill battle as the primary approaches.
While the gubernatorial endorsement drew the most attention, the convention also saw the uncontested endorsement of Toms River askan Shmuel (Sam) Ellenbogen for Ocean County Commissioner. Ellenbogen’s nomination was made by acclamation, as no other candidates entered the race. With Ocean County’s heavily Republican voter base, his primary victory is all but assured, positioning him as the likely winner in the November general election, given Ocean County’s strong preference for Republican candidates.
If elected, Ellenbogen will make history as the first frum Jew to serve on the Ocean County Board of Commissioners. His candidacy has already garnered strong local support, and with no opposition in the convention, his path to office appears smooth.
As the Republican gubernatorial primary heats up, all eyes will be on Spadea to see if he can regain momentum or if Ciattarelli’s apparent lead continues to solidify. Meanwhile, Ellenbogen’s expected victory signals a growing political presence for the Orthodox Jewish community in Ocean County’s Republican establishment.
