Shmuel “Sam” Ellenbogen Makes History, Elected as First Orthodox Jewish Ocean County Commissioner

Shmuel “Sam” Ellenbogen, a longtime askan from Toms River, has become the first Orthodox Jew elected to a countywide position in Ocean County history, winning a seat on the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, the governing body that oversees infrastructure, social services, and public safety for nearly 650,000 residents.

Shmuel Ellenbogen is no newcomer to public life. A longtime Toms River resident, he co-founded the Toms River Jewish Community Council (TRJCC) in 2018 to help build bridges between the Orthodox population and non-Jewish and unaffiliated residents. The TRJCC spearheaded initiatives such as safety campaigns, community outreach, and interfaith engagement—efforts that drew praise even from those outside the Orthodox community.

In 2021, Ellenbogen was appointed to the Ocean County Utilities Authority, eventually serving as treasurer. There, he helped oversee key infrastructure projects as the region’s population—and housing developments—expanded.

Earlier this year, he was nominated at the Republican county convention to run for one of two open commissioner seats. His running mate, Little Egg Harbor Committeeman Ray Gormley, also easily won his election to win his first term on the Board of Commissioners.

Upon taking his seat in January, Ellenbogen will join the five-member commissioner board at a time when Ocean County is facing significant demographic and developmental change. Orthodox communities in towns like Toms River, Jackson, and Lakewood continue to grow rapidly, placing increasing demands on roads, utilities, and public services.