Holman’s endorsement of the candidacy of popular sheriff could close door on Gilmore return
By David Wildstein, New Jersey Globe
Ocean County Republican Chairman Frank B. Holman III will not seek re-election in June and will support Sheriff Michael Mastronardy as his successor.
“Sheriff Mastronardy is a proven leader, a strong administrator, an uniter, a man of tremendous integrity, a great ambassador to our religious communities, and a dedicated public servant,” Holman said. “All of which has made him a pretty popular guy. I am confident that with your help, he will lead our party to even greater success.”
Ocean is New Jersey’s largest and powerful GOP organization.
Mastronardy, who is seeking a fourth term as sheriff this year, will make a potential comeback by former county chairman George Gilmore more difficult.
Gilmore resigned in April 2019 following his conviction on three federal tax charges. President Donald Trump pardoned Gilmore on his final day in office.
Holman won a special election the following month by 25 votes, defeating Gilmore’s candidate, Frank Sadeghi, 254 to 229.
As county chairman, Holman delivered a 98,274-vote plurality to Trump in 2020 and a margin of 77,141 vote, 68%-32%, for GOP gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli in 2021. Republicans on Holman’s watch won 92 of 94 local races
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