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.

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: 

• Tax Cuts: Last year, I urged this Congress to begin the mission by passing the largest tax cuts in American history, and our Republican majorities delivered so beautifully. Thank you Republicans…And with the great Big Beautiful Bill, we gave you no tax on tips, no tax on overtime and no tax on Social Security for our great seniors.
• Inflation:  In 12 months, my administration has driven core inflation down to the lowest level in more than five years. And in the last three months of 2025, it was down to 1.7%. 
• Border Security: After four years in which millions and millions of illegal aliens poured across our borders totally unfettered and unchecked, we now have the strongest and most secure border in American history, by far…But we will always allow people to come in legally, people that will love our country and will work hard to maintain our country.
• Crime: Deadly fentanyl across our border is down by a record 56% in one year. In the last year, the murder rate saw its single largest decline in recorded history. This is the biggest decline, think of it, in recorded history, the lowest number in over 125 years.
• Creation of Trump Accounts for Children: So with modest additional contributions, these young people’s accounts could grow to over $100,000 or more by the time they turn 18. 
• Prescription drug costs: I took prescription drugs, a very big part of health care, from the highest price in the entire world to the lowest…The result is price differences of 300, 400, 500, 600% and more, all available right now at a new website called TrumpRX.gov.
• Unemployment:  More Americans are working today than at any time in the history of our country…and 100% of all jobs created under my administration have been in the private sector.

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.

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.

Insider NJ

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.

COLTS NECK, New Jersey—New Jersey Republican Party Chairwoman Christine Giordano Hanlon is proud to announce the appointment of Luke Ferrante to serve as Executive Director of the NJGOP.

Ferrante brings vast experience in New Jersey politics. His previous work includes serving as the Political Director for Jack Ciattarelli’s 2025 gubernatorial campaign, Campaign Manager for Nick DeGregorio for Congress, and a member of the Ciattarelli for Governor campaign team in both 2017 and 2021. Most significantly, Ferrante served as Political Director for the NJGOP from 2022 to 2023.

“I am very excited to be bringing on Luke Ferrante to serve as the Executive Director of the NJGOP,” said Chairwoman Hanlon “Through his political work across the State of New Jersey, Luke has earned the respect and trust of party leaders and grass-roots activists alike.  He will be a great asset as we move our party forward.”

“It is an honor to be back at the NJGOP in the role of Executive Director under Chairwoman Hanlon’s leadership,” said Ferrante.  “With midterms less than 10 months away, I am eager to get work alongside her to make our party stronger and work towards a better New Jersey.”

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.

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.”

TRENTON, New Jersey — New Jersey State Republicans criticized outgoing Governor Phil Murphy, who delivered his final State of the State address on Tuesday as he wraps up eight years in office.

“Despite Governor Murphy’s statements to the contrary, New Jersey is neither stronger nor fairer today than it was when he took office. Our state’s residents are certainly not better off now than they were eight years ago,” said Christine Giordano Hanlon, Chairwoman of the New Jersey Republican Party.

Republicans say that an affordability crisis, soaring taxes and skyrocketing energy costs are contributing to record-level outmigration. Murphy’s administration is also marked by the implementation of a school funding formula that led to drastic cuts to many public school districts, in some cases resulting in school closures throughout the state while increasing local property taxes.

“Under this administration, policies supported by Democrats in Trenton have made New Jersey less affordable for our residents,” Chairwoman Hanlon said.

“The Governor claims New Jersey is stronger and fairer, but the question remains: for whom?,” said New Jersey Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco. “The state budget has grown by $22 billion. Property taxes are up by more than $10,000 on average. Unemployment taxes are up. Payroll taxes are increasing, and more and more New Jerseyans are living paycheck to paycheck. Homelessness is rising, affordability is slipping further out of reach, and these should be flashing warning signs for anyone paying attention.”

“Instead, in the final hours of this administration, the Governor and legislative Democrats pushed through another $128 million in new spending on top of a budget that already carries a $4 billion structural deficit. The impacts of this reckless spending will not disappear; it will land squarely on the backs of New Jersey taxpayers,” said Senator Bucco.

Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio pushed back on what Murphy portrayed as eight years of success.

“The reality is, if you want to lay out a legacy, people are going to remember him a lot differently than he sees it,” Assemblyman DiMaio said

“Going forward, Republicans will continue fighting to restore the American dream for all New Jerseyans and make our state a better place to live, work and raise a family,” said Chairwoman Hanlon, who took the helm of the NJGOP earlier this month with a plan to strengthen and expand the party.

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.

TRENTON, New Jersey—Christine Giordano Hanlon, Monmouth County Clerk and Co-Chair of the Monmouth County Republican Organization, was elected as the new Chair of the New Jersey Republican Party. The vote by 42 State Committee members took place on January 5th during their meeting at the Hibernian Club in Hamilton.

“I look forward to working side-by-side with all members of the Republican State Committee, our Party leaders and our countless dedicated volunteers and supporters to get right to work and create a strong organization that wins elections up and down the ballot,” said Chairwoman Hanlon.

Hanlon will focus on strengthening the organization, improving outreach and communications, leveraging education and training, boosting fundraising, bolstering voter engagement and protecting election integrity.

“As Chair, I will focus on building a strong organization that is vibrant, constantly growing and committed to winning based on my experience in politics and government,” she said. “I started on my journey in politics in New Jersey many years ago volunteering for a local campaign. From that time, I have served in various roles supporting our party candidates including municipal chair and club president for my hometown, grass roots organizer, campaign coordinator for various campaigns, state committeewoman and commissioner of the board of elections for my county and co-chair of my county Republican party.”

Hanlon, who won her third term as Monmouth County Clerk in the 2025 General Election, has experience in fundraising and strategizing campaigns for candidates on federal, state and local levels. She is also an expert on election integrity issues, having served for five years as a Commissioner on the Board of Elections in Monmouth County. Prior to assuming her role as Monmouth County Clerk, she was a practicing attorney for more than 20 years, focusing most recently on government affairs and municipal law.

One of Hanlon’s top priorities will be to bring unity to the party. “It is now more important than ever before to have a strong and unified Republican Party,” Chairwoman Hanlon said. “We need to come together to work for the betterment for the New Jersey Republican Party and the people of New Jersey.”