John talks with Christine Hanlon about the race in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. They discuss the upcoming special election on April 16th between Republican Joe Hathaway and progressive Democrat Analilia Mejia.
COLTS NECK — NJGOP Chairwoman Christine Hanlon is calling on Congressional Democrats to end the partial government shutdown keeping the Department of Homeland Security closed and unfunded. A month into the shutdown, TSA wait times are growing at airports across the country, compromising public safety and forcing dedicated federal workers to go without pay.
“It’s time for Democrats to put our national security first and reopen DHS,” said Chairwoman Hanlon. “We are already a month into this shutdown, and with each day that passes the safety and security of our country is increasingly compromised.”
The federal government has been partially shut down since February 14, when Democrats refused to fund the Department of Homeland Security in an attempt to gain leverage over immigration enforcement policies, consequently cutting off funds from critical federal agencies including the Transportation Safety Administration, the Coast Guard, FEMA and CISA (Cyber Intelligence Security Administration) and putting the public’s safety at risk.
“Democrats in Washington know ICE is already funded, but our nation is being held hostage by the demands of the Far Left. Even Democrat Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania admits that his party shut down the Department of Homeland Security for no valid reason since this has no impact on funding for ICE,” Chairwoman Hanlon said.
In addition to grave concerns over compromised national security, the partial shutdown occurring has also impacted New Jerseyans flying during peak travel season. At Newark Liberty International Airport, waits of up to four hours for travelers are reported according to a news report by News12, as TSA agents go unpaid due to the shutdown and callouts among workers have increased across the country.
“At a time when national security should be heightened due to increased threats, Democrats are putting the safety and security of Americans at risk by continually voting against funding for the Department of Homeland Security. I urge them to do the right thing and restore funding immediately before tragedy occurs,” said Chairwoman Hanlon.
About the NJGOP
The New Jersey Republican State Committee is the official entity of the Republican National Committee and represents more than 1.6 million Republicans registered in New Jersey. For more information, visit NJGOP.org.
COLTS NECK — Republicans from across New Jersey gathered Thursday night for the NJGOP “Freedom Gala,” a spirited celebration commemorating America’s Semiquincentennial and the principles upon which our nation was founded. Over 400 attendees turned out for the sold-out event at Eagle Oaks Country Club in Farmingdale, united in their pride for their party, their country, and their commitment to the future of New Jersey.
“I am so excited to be surrounded by such incredible enthusiasm and patriotism among New Jersey Republicans,” said NJGOP Chairwoman Christine Giordano Hanlon. “The Freedom Gala is not only a wonderful celebration of America’s 250th birthday, but also a great way for us to come together as a party and recognize the hard work of our Congressmen who are fighting for us during such a pivotal time.”
Congressional Representatives Tom Kean, Jr., Chris Smith and Jeff Van Drew were each honored for their exemplary and steadfast service to the people of New Jersey with an NJGOP Eagle Award. K.C. Crosbie, Co-Chair of the Republican National Committee, appeared as an honored guest speaker.
The Freedom Gala is part of the NJGOP’s year-long campaign to commemorate America’s Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Residents across the nation will celebrate in a variety of ways, similar to the Bicentennial in 1976, including a spectacular parade of tall ships from over 30 nations that will sail to the port of New York and New Jersey on July 4, 2026.
About the NJGOP
The New Jersey Republican State Committee is the official entity of the Republican National Committee and represents more than 1.6 million Republicans registered in New Jersey. For more information, visit NJGOP.org.
We’re kicking off a big moment in American history this morning. As the nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary in 2026, New Jersey leaders are already starting the celebration.
Joining us now is Christine Giordano Hanlon, the newly elected Chair of the New Jersey Republican Party. She’s launching a year-long Semiquincentennial commemoration with the NJGOP Freedom Gala this March, and she says this milestone is about more than politics, it’s about unity, history, and civic pride.
NJGOP Chairwoman Christine Hanlon shares her thoughts on President Trump’s State of the Union speech with host David Cruz.
A Year of Results for Working Families in New Jersey and America
COLTS NECK, NJ. – NJGOP Chair Christine Hanlon released the following statement following President Donald Trump’s State of the Union Address on Tuesday night:
“President Trump’s State of the Union Address was filled with optimism and pride for our great nation as we mark 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. His speech focused on American greatness as well as American heroism and resolve. President Trump inherited a nation in crisis with soaring inflation and prices, wide open borders, chaos throughout the nation and a stagnant economy. His first year in office has been marked with success across the board for the American people. Working with our Republican Congress, President Trump has driven down inflation, lowered skyrocketing gas, medicine, and consumer goods prices, secured our border, restored law and order in some of the most dangerous areas, invested in American families, and enacted the largest tax cut in American history. There is no limit to what we as Americans can achieve under this administration.”
Watch President Trump’s State of the Union address (C-SPAN) or read a transcript of the entire speech (AP).
Key Quotes and Highlights from President Trump’s State of the Union Speech:
Quotes from President Trump in which he cited the numerous accomplishments of his first year of his current term for the American people:
About the NJGOP: The New Jersey Republican State Committee is the official entity of the Republican National Committee and represents more than 1.6 million Republicans registered in New Jersey. For more information, visit NJGOP.org.
John talks with Christine Hanlon about the race in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. They discuss the upcoming special election in April between Republican Joe Hathaway and progressive Democrat Analilia Mejia.
The recent announcement by the Sherill administration of a portal that encourages citizens to film Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents is a dangerous policy putting politics over public safety. ICE is hardly new and has been active under Presidents from both sides of the aisle since 2003. In fact, the U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement Agency was established in response to the terrorist attacks of 9/11 to help keep our nation secure.
So why only now has it become so political? I think we all know the answer. We saw similar political tactics in 2020 during the “Defund the Police” movement. In the words of the great Yogi Berra, “it is déjà vu all over again.” ICE is now the Democrats’ latest political target to help advance a political agenda.
Rather than allow local law enforcement to work in collaboration with ICE to arrest the worst offenders, Sherill’s administration is inviting the same type of chaos seen in Minneapolis here to New Jersey. Instead of demonstrating leadership and taking steps to diffuse tensions that have potential for violent escalation, these proposed policies will only escalate tensions, endangering the public and law enforcement alike.
While we can certainly have empathy for those who died in Minneapolis and their loved ones, all of our brave law enforcement officers deserve our compassion and support regardless of which branch they serve. America is based on a system of laws, and our law enforcement officers are tasked with enforcing laws they neither created nor have the authority to change. Nonetheless, these men and women on the front lines are being vilified by anyone who disagrees with the laws they are enforcing, becoming targets themselves.
It is appalling that this administration is seemingly following the wisdom of Tim Walz by applauding volatile resistance to law enforcement to score political points. Mikie Sherrill seems to be laying the groundwork to work her way back to Washington, DC, rather than focusing on the major affordability crisis faced by New Jersey residents due to eight long years under Democratic control of our state.
About the NJGOP
The New Jersey Republican State Committee is the official entity of the Republican National Committee and represents more than 1.6 million Republicans registered in New Jersey.
The NJGOP is headed by State Chair Christine Giordano Hanlon who also serves as Monmouth County Clerk. For more information, visit NJGOP.org.
By Max Pizarro
Democrats already doing jumping jacks over Tom Kean, Jr’s CD-7 seat should take heed, saysNJ Republican State Party Chair Christine Hanlon.
“I believe that Tom Kean, Jr. goes into this race on a very strong footing,” Hanlon told InsiderNJ. “In my opinion, he’s doing all the right things and making the right decisions for his district.”
The newly elected chair of the state party said the NJGOP intends to be there in force for Kean as the opposition shark fins pop up around the Central Jersey congressional district.
“We are going to be – from the state party perspective – working very closely with his team,” said Hanlon, who in her government role serves as the Monmouth County clerk. “I’ve been a supporter of his for many years. I know his team. Our federal partners will also be coming in strong to support him.”
Multiple Democratic candidates have stepped forward to challenge Kean in a district Republican gubernatorial nominee Jack Ciattarelli lost by one point last year. Earlier this week, Somerset County Commissioner Sara Sooy dropped out of the primary contest and backed Rebecca Bennett, a retired Army helicopter pilot.
Hanlon sees Dems getting enthusiastic but doesn’t see them beating Kean, regardless of whomever prevails in the primary. “We have seen this before when Democratic candidates think they can overtake Tom Kean, Jr.,” she said. “There was the same kind of feeling the last time he ran, with candidates coming out and raising money, but this is no different than past years.”
As for other developing congressional contests, Hanlon acknowledged Republican efforts in CD-9 in particular, where the GOP sees an opportunity to capitalize on Donald Trump’s winning 2024 Passaic County result to make a play for the seat now occupied by U.S. Rep. Nellie Pou (D-9). “Republicans are on offense,” said the state party chair.
Regarding the U.S. Senate contest and a GOP challenger for U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Hanlon said, “There are many candidates considering this race. I haven’t even met all the candidates yet, and I look forward to having discussions with all the candidates who are interested in running.”
COLTS NECK, New Jersey—Newly-elected New Jersey Republican Party Chair Christine Giordano Hanlon is kicking off America’s Semiquincentennial year with a celebratory gala honoring America’s 250th anniversary, calling for all New Jersey leaders and residents to commemorate this important milestone in American history.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come together as Americans and put aside our differences for the good of our country,” said Hanlon. “There will always be issues and events that have the potential to divide us, but the love we have for our great nation must stand the test of time.”
The NJGOP Freedom Gala, which will be held on March 12, 2026, at Eagle Oaks Country Club in Farmingdale, will celebrate America’s founding 250 years ago when the Declaration of Independence was signed. Similar to the Bicentennial in 1976, residents across the nation will celebrate in a variety of ways, including the spectacular parade of tall ships from over 30 nations that will sail to the port of New York and New Jersey on July 4, 2026.
“We have much history to be proud of here in New Jersey, and I am excited to launch a year-long commemoration of our great nation’s birth,” said Hanlon, who announced plans for the gala along with the rollout of Semiquincentennial features on NJGOP social media channels.
“There are so many opportunities to celebrate America, from large events that embody the American spirit to doing extra charitable works and community service, to cleaning up your environment, to educating our youth about the greatness of America and to preserving historic properties and land,” said Hanlon. “Bringing people together to celebrate our shared patriotism and American values is critical, and I urge all New Jersey leaders and residents to get involved in the celebration.”
Hanlon also points out that New Jersey is particularly significant in America’s Revolutionary War history. Known as the “Crossroads of the American Revolution,” New Jersey was the setting for more battles and skirmishes than any other colony due to its central location between New York City and Philadelphia.
“This year is not only the perfect time to reflect on our history and how we got here, but it is also a time to celebrate the enduring spirit of the American people and the great country we live in,” said Hanlon, “and it is up to every one of us to preserve and protect it for generations to come.”
For more information about the NJGOP Freedom Gala, visit NJGOP.org/freedom-gala/.
About the NJGOP
The New Jersey Republican State Committee is the official entity of the Republican National Committee and represents more than 1.6 million Republicans registered in New Jersey. For more information, visit NJGOP.org.
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