Tuesday, June 10 marks Primary Election Day in New Jersey, and voters in Toms River will head to the polls to cast ballots in key races from the local council to the state governor’s office. With contested Republican and Democratic primaries, particularly for Toms River Township Council, the stakes are high and the rhetoric intense.
When and Where to Vote
- Election Day: Tuesday, June 10
- Polls Open: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Polling Locations: Check your sample ballot or look up your polling place online.
New Jersey has closed primaries, meaning only registered party members may vote in their respective primaries. Unaffiliated voters may declare a party at the polls and vote in that party’s primary.
Toms River Council Races: A Divided Republican Party
All four ward seats on the Toms River Township Council are on the ballot, each for a four-year term. The GOP primaries are especially contentious, pitting two Republican slates against one another:
- “Official Republican Team” aligned with Mayor Daniel Rodrick:
- Justin Lamb (Ward 1)
- William Byrne (Ward 2)
- Harry Aber (Ward 3)
- Anthony Matarazzo (Ward 4)
- “America First Republicans for Toms River” opposing Rodrick’s agenda:
- Robert Bianchini (Ward 1)
- Clinton Bradley (Ward 2)
- Jim Quinlisk (Ward 3)
- David Ciccozzi (Ward 4)
Ward 4 also includes Anthony Ricotta, a candidate supported by Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore.
On the Democratic side, the Ward 4 primary is contested between Paul C. Williams and Justin Moran, while Anthony Colucci (Ward 1) and Susan Gato (Ward 2) are running unopposed.
Issues at the Heart of the Campaign
Mayor Rodrick’s leadership and policies have sparked fierce debate. Controversies include:
- A proposal to seize Episcopal Church property via eminent domain — opposed by Quinlisk and Ciccozzi.
- Closure of the Silverton EMS and the town’s animal shelter.
- Cuts to police department leadership and staffing levels — despite Rodrick’s claims of increased law enforcement presence.
- Cancellation of a downtown redevelopment plan involving the Meridia apartment project, which is now the subject of a lawsuit.
Council meetings have grown increasingly tense, with shouting matches and accusations of party disloyalty, particularly at the most recent meeting on May 29.
Campaign tactics have included attack mailers, sign tampering, and disputed legal accusations. Voter turnout is expected to be a significant factor, with past primaries seeing participation from fewer than 20% of registered voters.
County and State-Level Races
Ocean County Board of Commissioners:
- Two seats up for election; primaries uncontested.
- Republicans: Ray Gormley and Sam Ellenbogen
- Democrats: Arthur Halloran and Brandon Rose
Ocean County Clerk:
- Republicans: Rory Wells and Jack Kelly
- Democrat: Samuel Pinkava
Ocean County Sheriff:
- Republican incumbent: Michael Mastronardy
- Democrat: Jeff Horn
10th District Assembly:
- Republicans: Gregory McGuckin and Paul Kanitra (uncontested)
- Democrats: Janine Bauer, Debra DiDonato, and Phil Nufrio (contested)
Gubernatorial Primary
Republicans:
- Jack Ciattarelli (endorsed by Donald Trump)
- Bill Spadea, Jon Bramnick, Mario Kranjac, and Justin Barbera
Democrats:
- Steve Sweeney, Ras Baraka, Josh Gottheimer, Mikie Sherrill, Sean Spiller, Steven Fulop
As voters prepare to weigh in, turnout and public engagement remain crucial — especially with such high-profile and contentious races shaping the future of Toms River and beyond.
