COLTS NECK, New Jersey—New Jersey Republican Party Chairwoman Christine Giordano Hanlon has announced the appointment of Annalisa Zolezi to serve as Political Director of the NJGOP.

“Annalisa Zolezi has been a standout among the young Republican operatives we are proud to have in our Party. We are excited to bring her on board as we gear up for the midterm elections,” said Chairwoman Hanlon. “She is battle-tested, having worked on a high-octane, nationally-recognized race.” 

A grassroots organizer with a strong local reputation, Zolezi amassed extensive experience working across multiple teams on Jack Ciattarelli’s most recent gubernatorial campaign. She also served as a Field Director for the NJGOP under the previous leadership of Chairman Glenn Paulsen and Executive Director Kate Gibbs prior to Hanlon assuming party leadership in January.

“Chairwoman Hanlon has made our goals crystal clear, and I am excited to get started working to protect our Congressional majority and restore the New Jersey Republican Party,” Zolezi said. “Let’s get to work!” 

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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COLTS NECK, New Jersey – The New Jersey Republican Party proudly announces the successful completion of Phase 2 of the Republican National Committee’s GROW Program, Growing Organizations to Win. The GROW Program is a nationwide initiative aimed at strengthening and building state Republican parties, including infrastructure and operations. 

Under the leadership of Chairwoman Christine Giordano Hanlon, the NJGOP completed Phase 2, known as the “Leader’s Circle.” This accomplishment strengthens the NJGOP’s readiness heading into the 2026 election cycle and their achievement of meeting the RNC’s rigorous benchmarks for state party infrastructure. 

“I am proud to say we have met all of the benchmarks of the challenging RNC GROW program in a very short time period,” said NJGOP Chairwoman Hanlon.  “We worked tirelessly to meet the program requirements, which will help us become more effective and organized. We are excited to move on to the next phase of party-building.”

“The NJGOP will continue to work closely with the Republican National Committee to continue our progress as a state party,” continued Hanlon.  “We appreciate the support of the RNC and their State Party Strategies team as we focus on rebuilding, election integrity, training and strategy in 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.

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COLTS NECK, New Jersey – It’s Tax Day in America, and Americans across the country are seeing the benefits of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act passed by Republicans in Congress and signed by President Trump. The average tax refund is up significantly this year by nearly 11%, while average refunds are the largest on record at approximately $3600. In addition, more than 5.2 million taxpayers benefited from “No Tax on Tips” and overtime provisions, resulting in working Americans seeing more money in their paychecks.

“The Working Families Tax Cuts is providing sorely-needed tax relief to New Jersey families,” said New Jersey Republican Chairwoman Christine Giordano Hanlon. “Thanks to President Trump and our New Jersey Republican Congressmen Tom Kean, Jr., Chris Smith and Jeff Van Drew, New Jerseyans are keeping more of their hard-earned money.” New Jersey residents have also been positively impacted by the 300% cap increase on state and local tax (SALT) deductions, which has brought real relief for taxpayers from skyrocketing state property taxes during nearly a decade of Democratic control. 

The child tax credit was also raised based on rising inflation so that it keeps pace with costs. Republicans have also made raising a family more affordable by establishing new investment accounts for children and expanding 529 education savings accounts. “This landmark legislation not only prevented looming tax hikes, but it also provided major tax relief, especially for working families in New Jersey,” Hanlon added. “Unfortunately, Democrats in Trenton are going in the wrong direction when it comes to taxes, but they should take note. With the right leadership, it is possible to provide tax relief!” 

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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COLTS NECK, New Jersey — The New Jersey Republican Party announced dates for a statewide Leadership Summit in 2026, the first under the direction of Chairwoman Christine Giordano Hanlon. 

The event, which will bring together elected officials, candidates, policy experts, grassroots leaders and community stakeholders, will take place at Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City from September 18 through 19, 2026. 

“This summit represents a step forward for restoring the American Dream for all New Jerseyans,” said Chairwoman Hanlon. “Under Democratic leadership in Trenton, New Jersey residents have for too long been burdened by policies that have driven up costs, pushed out families and stifled economic growth. The NJGOP is proud to bring together leaders, candidates and activists from across the state to address these issues and prepare for victory in the 2026 election cycle.

“The September Summit is aimed at building momentum for Republicans heading into the critical mid-term November elections,” Chairwoman Hanlon added.

Additional details, including speakers and registration information, will be announced in the coming weeks.

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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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.