TAPinto

By Kristen Downey

HOBOKEN, NJ — Pavel Sokolov of Hoboken has been appointed vice chair of the New Jersey Republican Party as the GOP works to expand its influence in urban areas. In addition to his role as Hoboken’s Municipal Republican Chair, he’ll be involved in shaping party strategy, supporting county organizations, and coordinating grassroots efforts across all 21 counties in the state.

“My top priority is creating a unified vision of what it means to be a New Jersey Republican,” Sokolov told TAPinto. “We need to clearly state our goals and policies, so that voters understand the benefits of supporting the Republican Party and how a Republican administration will help them and their families.”

In his new role, Sokolov said his day-to-day responsibilities will focus on working directly with Republican organizations throughout the state. He says his main responsibility is meeting with Republican organizations throughout the state and helping them get the resources they need to make their campaigns and events successful. 

Sokolov brings a mix of campaign experience and professional expertise to the position, having served as a Board of Education candidate, campaign manager for the Hudson County GOP executive director, and currently as Hoboken’s Municipal Republican chair. Professionally, he is a licensed CPA with a decade of experience as a tax accountant.

“My experience on the ground and as a grassroots leader helps me understand the needs and the realities of campaigns and Republican committees so I can be a better resource to them,” he said.

As a Hoboken resident in one of New Jersey’s most Democratic-leaning cities, Sokolov said the local political landscape has shaped his approach to party growth.

“The reality is that most people agree on the core issues — affordability, good government, and a commitment to improve quality of life,” he said. “The GOP must tackle these issues head on and provide a clear and explainable path to helping people in a way they can feel.”

He added that Hudson County has a substantial Republican base that is often overlooked.

With over 50,000 registered Republicans in Hudson County, he says they are working to engage with them at the local level to encourage them to be more active in their communities and to be positive representatives of the party.

According to Sokolov, there are two issues affecting Hoboken and Hudson County that deserve more attention at the state party level: affordability and transportation.

“Rising rents are making it harder for residents to stay in their homes and displacement continues unabated,” he said. “Likewise, transportation infrastructure is not keeping pace with the growing population. We need a commitment to more public transit, an expansion of NJ Transit, and an overhaul of the PATH system.”

Looking to Hoboken residents who may not traditionally support the Republican Party, Sokolov said his message centers on opportunity and stability.

“At its core, the Republican Party values growth, opportunity, and prosperity,” he said. “Everyone deserves access to high-quality education, a pathway to gainful employment, and security to achieve their goals. We work to ensure that is the case here in Hoboken and beyond.”