NJ GOP Chair: 27,000-Vote Deficit Can Be Overcome With Tuesday Turnout

Christine Hanlon, the New Jersey Republican Party chair, addressed a Get Out The Vote breakfast in Parsippany on Sunday to urge voters to close a substantial early voting gap. Hanlon, who also serves as the Monmouth County clerk, told the audience that Democrats currently hold a 27,000-vote lead in the competitive District 7 congressional race. She argued that this numerical advantage stems from high enthusiasm among Democratic voters, though she characterized that energy as being driven by a desire to change the Constitution.

Hanlon spoke at an event hosted by Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi at the Knoll Country Club. Her primary message focused on the political positioning of the Democratic Party. Hanlon stated that the party has moved far to the left and that its candidates are following that shift. She cited specific examples to illustrate her point to the gathered crowd.

During her remarks, Hanlon highlighted three Democratic congressional candidates. She pointed to Adam Hamawy in District 12, noting that he provided courtroom testimony for a man accused in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. She also mentioned Rebecca Bennett in District 7, who stated she did not want to attend a church that included voters for Donald Trump. Bennett has previously said that statement lacked context.

The crowd reacted with boos when Hanlon discussed Analilia Mejia, the Democratic candidate in District 11. Mejia is running against Republican Joe Hathaway, who was present at the event. Hanlon criticized Mejia for supporting Medicare for All and a $25 hourly minimum wage. Tayfun Selen, a Morris County Commissioner seeking reelection, also attended the breakfast.

Grossi acknowledged that Democrats have an organizational advantage in early voting. She described the Democratic operation as a machine that generates high turnout before Election Day. However, she said Republicans could counter this advantage if they increased their participation on Tuesday.

Hanlon defended the current state of governance in Morris County. She described the area as a premier county in New Jersey and attributed that status to Republican leadership. She argued that Democrats control the state government in Trenton and are responsible for making the state unaffordable, despite their rhetoric on the issue.

Grossi concluded by emphasizing the need for a larger Republican turnout. She said voters need to come out in greater numbers than ever before to ensure victory on Tuesday.