NJGOP Chairwoman Christine Giordano Hanlon calls for bipartisan investigation

COLTS NECK, New Jersey – Governor Mikie Sherrill has now admitted that roughly 6,600 non-citizens were erroneously registered to vote by New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle System between June 2023 and June 2024, verifying claims by the NJGOP Election Integrity Task Force that New Jersey’s flawed voter registration system allowed for ineligible individuals to register to vote. In addition, at least 400 non-citizens cast ballots.  

 “Months ago, the NJGOP warned that initial findings of non-citizens on the voter rolls uncovered by the NJGOP Election Integrity Task Force were just the tip of the iceberg, and unfortunately, we were right all along,” said Chairwoman Christine Hanlon. In May, the newly formed NJGOP Elections Integrity Task Force found hundreds of non-citizens on New Jersey voter rolls, with at least 30 documented cases of non-citizens voting in elections. That announcement was dismissed by State Democrats as ‘fear-mongering,’ but recent findings now show that not only have thousands of non-citizens been added to our voter rolls, but approximately 400 non-citizens voted in our elections.

“We knew better then, and we know better now. We will not be bullied on an issue so critical to our democracy and will continue to shine a light on a legitimate concern should not be partisan,” Hanlon said. “Unfortunately, the Governor chose to deflect blame for the State’s failings to President Trump rather than focusing on the issue at hand.”

A full accounting of how this error may have impacted election outcomes is necessary, Hanlon said, citing that many elections around the state have been decided by a small number of votes.

“Much more needs to be done. We believe this issue is not isolated to this one-year time frame or a software glitch. The system and verification process must be improved in order to safeguard our elections,” she said. “The public also deserves to know why this was covered up and who was responsible for keeping this critical information from the public.”

Hanlon is calling for a bipartisan investigation into the issue to ensure transparency as to this issue as well as a comprehensive analysis to determine best practices and protocols for election integrity as it relates to voter registration.


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 has announced the successful completion of Phase 3 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 and Executive Director Luke Ferrante, the NJGOP completed the final phase of the RNC’s GROW Program, known as the “Chairman’s Circle.” This accomplishment marked the significant achievement of meeting the RNC’s rigorous benchmarks for state party infrastructure. 

“After completion of the first two phases of the program, our team continued to build on that momentum; executing goals, strengthening operations, and meeting all expectations set forth by RNC State Party Strategies,” said NJGOP Chairwoman Hanlon. “We appreciate the support of the RNC and their State Party Strategies team as we have focused on rebuilding our infrastructure, campaign training, election integrity and strategic initiatives to prepare for the 2026 election cycle and beyond.”

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, NJ – Today, the New Jersey Republican Party joined the Republican National Committee (RNC) in a lawsuit to prevent certain non-residents who have never lived in New Jersey from registering to vote and voting in the state’s elections.

Below is a statement on the matter from Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters:

“Democrats are allowing certain people who have never lived in New Jersey to vote in the state’s elections,” said RNC Chairman Joe Gruters. “The RNC is taking them to court to stop this unconstitutional scheme, protect lawful voters, and secure New Jersey
elections.”

Background:

• The RNC, the New Jersey Republican Party (NJGOP), and Republican congressional candidate Michael McGuire sued New Jersey election officials for allowing certain non-residents to register and vote in New Jersey elections.
• This lawsuit challenges a New Jersey law that allows certain people who have never lived in New Jersey – and in some cases have never lived in the United States – to vote in state elections based solely on a relative’s prior residency.
• The RNC is suing to strike down this unconstitutional “never-resident voter” law and ensure only eligible New Jersey voters decide New Jersey elections.
• New Jersey’s Constitution requires voters to be New Jersey residents and state officials cannot expand voting eligibility beyond those constitutional limits.
• This lawsuit does not affect military members or overseas voters who previously lived in New Jersey, both of whom remain legally eligible to vote under state and federal law.
• This lawsuit builds on the RNC’s successful record defending voter eligibility requirements across the country, including a major victory in North Carolina stopping non-residents from voting and recent lawsuits challenging similar policies in Nebraska, Colorado, and Nevada.

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 — As thousands of New Jersey families remain without electricity following this weekend’s severe storms, many spent the holiday weekend enduring extreme heat with no air conditioning, refrigeration, or, in some communities, even running water. Throughout the crisis, Governor Mikie Sherrill was largely missing in action and has yet to demonstrate the urgency the situation demands.

While local first responders, utility crews, emergency management officials, and municipal leaders continue working around the clock to restore power and clear storm damage, Republicans have urged the Governor’s Office to declare a State of Emergency.

Such a declaration would help expedite resources, strengthen coordination between emergency agencies, provide access to additional mutual aid, and position New Jersey to seek federal assistance should the damage exceed state and local capabilities.

“Families are still sitting in the dark while Governor Sherrill sits on the sidelines,” said NJGOP Chairwoman Christine Giordano Hanlon. “When tens of thousands of residents lose power during dangerous heat, New Jersey deserves decisive leadership, not silence.”

“The Governor shouldn’t have to be prompted by legislators to take emergency action,” Hanlon continued. “A State of Emergency isn’t about politics. It’s about getting communities the resources they need as quickly as possible. Every hour matters when families are without electricity, air conditioning, refrigeration and, in many areas, even running water.”

The New Jersey Republican Party thanks the thousands of utility workers, first responders, emergency management personnel, public works employees, and volunteers who continue working tirelessly under difficult conditions to restore power and keep residents safe.

“New Jersey’s local leaders are stepping up. Our first responders are stepping up. Utility crews are stepping up,” Hanlon said. “Mikie Sherrill should have been stepping up, too. Instead, she was nowhere to be found while New Jersey families endured a holiday weekend without power in dangerous heat.”

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 — The New Jersey Republican Party today condemned Governor Mikie Sherrill and Democratic legislative leaders for ramming through the largest state budget in New Jersey history under the cover of night, giving lawmakers and the public virtually no time to review the legislation before approving a spending plan that will cost taxpayers $60.7 billion.

The Governor promised New Jersey families greater transparency and affordability. Instead, her first budget delivered secrecy, record spending, and the same broken Trenton process taxpayers were promised would change.

The budget was released just moments before an 11:00 p.m. committee hearing on Sunday evening, where lawmakers voted on hundreds of pages of spending before anyone had a meaningful opportunity to read or analyze it. Republicans repeatedly objected to the rushed process and offered amendments to reduce wasteful spending, restore vital programs, and provide fair school funding, but those efforts were rejected by the Democratic majority.

“The Governor promised a new era of leadership, but New Jersey got the same secretive, backroom budgeting that has become Trenton’s trademark,” said NJGOP Chairwoman Christine Giordano Hanlon. “When the largest budget in state history was unveiled just moments before an 11 p.m. committee vote on a Sunday night, it’s clear the goal wasn’t transparency. It was preventing public scrutiny.”

Beyond the flawed process, the budget itself raises serious concerns about New Jersey’s fiscal future.

At $60.7 billion, New Jersey’s budget is larger than those of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, and North Carolina, even though each of those states has a larger population. On a per-resident basis, New Jersey taxpayers will shoulder approximately $6,357 in state spending, compared to roughly $4,114 in Pennsylvania, $4,018 in Ohio, $3,194 in Georgia, and just $2,701 in North Carolina.

“Families across New Jersey are struggling with skyrocketing property taxes, utility bills, tolls, insurance costs, and the highest cost of living in the region,” Hanlon said. “Instead of exercising fiscal discipline, the Governor and Trenton Democrats responded by passing the largest budget in New Jersey history.”

The final budget package also included a nearly $359 million supplemental spending bill stuffed with last-minute earmarks that Democrats quietly moved through a back door to avoid scrutiny.

“The people of New Jersey deserve a budget process that is transparent, accountable, and focused on delivering results. Not one that relies on late-night votes, hidden spending, and record-breaking budgets that families simply cannot afford,” Hanlon concluded. “While Democrats congratulate themselves on breaking spending records, Republicans will keep fighting to lower costs, cut waste, and make New Jersey a state where families can actually afford to live.”

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, N.J. — New Jersey Republican State Committee Chair Christine Hanlon issued the following statement after Congressman Tom Kean Jr. returned to Congress and shared his deeply personal journey with the American people:

New Jersey and the nation saw the true character of Tom Kean Jr., one of honesty, humility, and extraordinary courage. Congressman Kean returned to the House floor and spoke openly about one of the most difficult chapters of his life. 

He reminded us that real strength is not measured by political posturing or cruel rhetoric. It is measured by the willingness to face adversity and continue a life of dedicated and honorable service to the people of New Jersey and our great nation.

That is why challenger Rebecca Bennett’s recent attacks are so reprehensible. She repeatedly called Tom Kean a ‘coward’ while he was privately facing one of the greatest challenges any person can endure. Those words were not just false. They were ugly, cruel, and beneath the dignity of anyone seeking public office.

Kicking people when they are down does not demonstrate the right temperament for a public servant. Rebecca Bennett owes Congressman Kean, his family, and the people of New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District an apology. If she cannot recognize the humanity and decency that moments like this demand, she should seriously reconsider whether she is fit to serve in public office at all.

Each passing day shows us that the Democratic Party in New Jersey is broken. Across the state, their candidates are proving every day that they are unfit for the office, and Rebecca Bennett is no exception. She attempted to leverage a private health matter to score political points, which should be disqualifying. Coupled with her progressive policies, support of efforts to impeach President Trump, and interest in raising taxes on hardworking New Jersey families, Bennett is clearly the wrong choice for the people of Congressional District 7.

As we head into one of the most important election years in recent history, Republicans throughout New Jersey are united behind Rep. Tom Kean Jr. I know I speak for Republicans across the state when I say we are thrilled to welcome Congressman Kean back, as he continues his career as a thoughtful, independent leader who puts his constituents before politics as he fights for the people of 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.

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COLTS NECK, New Jersey — The New Jersey Republican Party today warned that the Democratic Party is facing a growing identity crisis as its far-left wing continues to gain influence, pushing out longtime Democrats and embracing increasingly radical positions that are out of step with the vast majority of New Jersey families.

Just one day after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani celebrated another wave of victories by Democratic Socialist-backed candidates who defeated establishment Democrats in congressional primaries, the warning signs for New Jersey Democrats have become even clearer. From New York to New Jersey, the party’s activist wing is no longer on the fringe. It’s taking control.

“The Democratic Party of New Jersey is being pulled further left by activists and political extremists,” said NJGOP Chairwoman Christine Giordano Hanlon. “The party that claims to represent working families is increasingly controlled by voices that embrace division, excuse radicalism, and prioritize ideology over common sense.”

The New Jersey Republican Party pointed to a growing list of Democratic candidates and elected officials whose records reflect just how far left the party has moved:

• Adam Hamawy has defended the “Blind Sheikh,” convicted in connection with the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, while calling for the abolition of ICE, the dismantling of the Department of Homeland Security, and defunding America’s military.
• Analilia Mejia has campaigned on the same radical agenda championed by Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
• Rebecca Bennett has embraced progressive policies, supported efforts to impeach President Trump, and acknowledged she wants to raise taxes on hardworking New Jersey families.
• Zohran Mamdani‘s political movement just helped unseat multiple Democratic incumbents in New York congressional primaries, demonstrating that Democratic Socialist activists are increasingly replacing establishment Democrats throughout the region.

“New Jersey Democrats aren’t just moving left. They’re racing there,” Hanlon continued. “The same movement reshaping New York politics is gaining ground here in New Jersey. Candidates like Mamdani, Hamawy and Mejia aren’t outliers. They’re the future of today’s Democratic Party.”

As Democrats continue their internal struggle between establishment politicians and an increasingly influential far-left movement, Republicans say New Jersey voters deserve leaders focused on affordability, public safety, economic opportunity, and responsible government. Not ideological battles.

“While Democrats fight each other over who can be more extreme, Republicans remain focused on lowering costs, making New Jersey more affordable, and delivering results for the people who call the Garden state home,” Hanlon concluded.

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 has launched a South Asian Republican Coalition to improve outreach, communication, and engagement among members of the South Asian community throughout the state, announced NJGOP Chairwoman Christine Giordano Hanlon. 

“There are more than 500,000 members of the South Asian community in New Jersey, representing 5 percent of our state population. Many hard-working residents pursuing the American Dream belong to this community, but like all New Jerseyans, are struggling because of Democrat policies that are failing us,” said Chairwoman Hanlon. “Republicans are here for the South Asian community.”  

The formation of the coalition is part of a larger initiative to expand Republican representation across New Jersey.  

Appointed to lead the coalition is Juned Qazi, who is among the first Indian-Americans elected to the governing body of Marlboro Township, where he resides and currently serves as Deputy Mayor. A native of India, Qazi is a naturalized United States citizen who has been a successful businessman for more than two decades. 

“The NJGOP South Asian Coalition is going to unite our community and offer solutions to our shared problems in New Jersey,” said Qazi. “Most critically, the coalition provides our community a seat at the table when it comes to NJGOP initiatives, and we thank Chairwoman Hanlon for this opportunity for our voices to be represented.” 

“Working together provides insight into priorities of the South Asian community, which include promoting safety, advocating for a common-sense school curriculum, and fostering an improved business climate to support entrepreneurship in New Jersey,” added Chairwoman Hanlon. “These are priorities for all New Jerseyans, and I look forward to a productive collaboration with the South Asian community.” 

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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Findings of initial efforts believed to be ‘tip of the iceberg’ due to flawed systems, NJGOP Chairwoman Christine Giordano Hanlon says

COLTS NECK, New Jersey ⎯ Initial findings of the newly-formed NJGOP Election Integrity
Task Force found that hundreds of non-citizens were registered to vote based on analysis of
public records requests submitted in conjunction with the Republican National Committee to all
of New Jersey’s 21 counties, announced NJGOP Chairwoman Christine Giordano Hanlon. In
addition, at least 30 documented cases were uncovered of non-citizens illegally casting votes,
in some cases in multiple elections and for many years.

“We have just begun our analysis and already have uncovered significant breaches. We believe
these findings are just the tip of the iceberg,” said Chairwoman Hanlon. “The most concerning
part is that it appears these cases are a direct result of flaws that exist in New Jersey’s voter
registration and vetting process.”

One key vulnerability cited stems from the voter registration process conducted through the
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJVMC). Non-citizens can legally obtain New Jersey
driver’s licenses, and many are also eligible to legally obtain Social Security numbers.
Individuals who may be legally present in the United States but not eligible to vote may
nevertheless become registered through the NJVMC integrated system because of insufficient
citizenship-verification safeguards. Fraudulent participation at the polls is then encouraged for
anyone on active voter rolls through mandatory official elections communications like sample
ballots and other campaign materials from candidates.

“This may be one of the most significant election-integrity issues in New Jersey history,” said
Chairwoman Hanlon. “Not only do county-level records show that hundreds of non-citizens
were placed on New Jersey’s voter rolls, but additional documentation indicates multiple cases
of non-citizens casting ballots in multiple elections.”

Instances of non-citizens illegally on the voter rolls surfaced through individual self-reporting,
documents show. “Without these disclosures, election officials may never have detected these
individuals on the voter rolls, highlighting another major gap in our existing system,”
Chairwoman Hanlon said. With the implementation earlier this year of New Jersey’s “opt-out”
system for voter registration through NJVMC, the risk of vulnerability will only increase.
Obtained data did reflect that hundreds of non-citizens requested removal from voter rolls after
self-reporting to New Jersey’s voter registration offices during the naturalization process.

“Without these individuals’ self-reporting, there would have been no way to know if they were
eligible voters. It begs the question, how many other non-citizens are currently on the rolls who
have not self-reported? Sufficient safeguards are needed in New Jersey to prevent non-citizens
from being added to the voter rolls in the first place,” Chairwoman Hanlon said.

More records are expected from some New Jersey counties as the investigation continues.
Launched less than a month ago, the NJGOP Election Integrity Task Force is working together
with the Republican National Committee as part of a larger initiative designed to identify
vulnerabilities in New Jersey’s election system and advocate for stronger safeguards to prevent
fraud, abuse and misconduct.

“Election integrity is not a partisan or political issue, but the very foundation of our democracy.
Americans deserve elections that have integrity, and we must take decisive action to push for
proper reforms in New Jersey,” Chairwoman Hanlon said.

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, NJ – “This Memorial Day, while residents across New Jersey proudly honored our military heroes who paid the ultimate price for our freedom, Gov. Sherill and New Jersey Democrats chose this sacred day to protest outside an ICE detention center in Newark. This was nothing more than a shameful and desperate performative stunt – a disgrace to our Country and our State.  As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, the NJGOP remains committed to restoring the American Dream in New Jersey by fighting for common-sense solutions to make life more affordable, supporting law enforcement and ensuring the safety of all New Jerseyans.”

-NJGOP Chairwoman Christine Giordano Hanlon

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