Samuel Raia Steps Down as NJGOP State Chairman

Concluding a historic three-year tenure, Sam Raia today announced his resignation as NJGOP State Chairman.

“We’ve surpassed each of our goals during the three years of my chairmanship – we’ve reelected our Governor by historic margins, raised $8.8 million and laid the groundwork for the future success of our Party,” said Raia. “I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity provided by Governor Christie and members of the State Committee to serve our Party.”

“Chairman Raia’s leadership at the State Committee was instrumental in my reelection, and every success we’ve had as a Party over the last three years,” said Governor Chris Christie. “Sam has set our Party on course for even more success in the future.”

Both Governor Christie and Raia announced their support of Bill Stepien to become the next NJGOP State Chairman.

“I’ve asked Bill Stepien to be our new State Party Chairman because no one better understands how to grow our Party, communicate our message and, most importantly, win elections,” said Governor Christie. “Bill Stepien is the best Republican operative in the country, and New Jersey Republicans will be fortunate to have him leading our Party.”

“I’ve worked closely with Bill over the years as he’s managed the Governor’s campaigns, so I know he has exactly what it takes to serve as Chair and continue the progress we’ve made,” said Raia. “Bill is a leader in our Party, and his chairmanship will be an asset to Republicans at every level, up and down the state.”

Stepien served as Campaign Manager for each of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s statewide victories and worked as the Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff from 2010 to 2012. In the 2008 presidential cycle, Stepien served as National Field Director for Rudy Giuliani’s primary election and Senator John McCain’s general election campaigns. In 2005 and 2006, Stepien was the Republican National Committee’s National 72-Hour Director and served as President George W. Bush’s New Hampshire State Political Director in 2004.

In addition to serving as NJGOP State Chair from 2010-2013, Raia is the Mayor of Saddle River and a business owner with over 30 years of experience in the real estate and construction industries. Raia serves on the board of both Hackensack University Medical Center and the New Jersey Commerce and Industry Association and served on Governor Christie’s Transportation Transition Team.

Raia’s resignation is effective immediately, with NJGOP Vice Chair Lynda Pagliughi assuming the role of Acting Chair.