After a surprising set of results in the Republican primaries, Ocean County, New Jersey, is preparing for major changes in its government leadership.
This year’s GOP primary elections saw several new candidates winning key races, signaling a strong shift in direction for the county’s future.
Many long-standing politicians are stepping aside, either retiring or losing to newer names, which means a fresh group of leaders will take over important roles across the country.
One of the biggest changes involves the Ocean County Board of Commissioners. For years, the board has been controlled by well-known Republican figures, but now, newer voices are entering the picture. Incumbent Commissioner Barbara Jo Crea was defeated in the GOP primary by Toms River Councilman Dan Rodrick and Berkeley Township Councilman James Byrnes.
Both of them will be the Republican nominees for two open commissioner seats in the general election. Because Ocean County is a strong Republican area, it’s expected that these two candidates will win in November, almost guaranteeing them spots on the board.
This win is especially significant because Barbara Jo Crea had been seen as a loyal Republican leader in the county. Her loss shows that even trusted incumbents are not safe from political change, especially when voters are looking for a different approach.
Rodrick and Byrnes both campaigned on bringing more transparency and accountability to county operations. Their win sends a clear message that voters want to see action, not just talk.
The changes don’t stop there. Another shift is happening in the county sheriff’s office. Long-time Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy is retiring after more than two decades in the role.
He endorsed retired Toms River Police Chief Mitch Little as his replacement. Little won the GOP primary and is now expected to take over as the new sheriff after the general election. With no strong Democratic opposition in the county, he is widely considered the frontrunner.
Mitch Little’s upcoming appointment is also important because the sheriff plays a key role in public safety and law enforcement across Ocean County. Little’s background in local policing and his reputation for modernizing departments make him a strong choice for the position.
Aside from these big races, several other changes are coming across various local offices in the county. Some of the GOP primary winners include candidates who were part of newer Republican movements within the county, rather than the old guard. This shows a growing divide between traditional Republicans and those pushing for change from within.
Political experts say these results reflect deeper trends happening in Ocean County. Many voters feel that the same people have been in charge for too long.
They’re now looking for leaders who understand current issues and can take fresh action. Topics like property taxes, infrastructure repairs, and public safety have been top concerns for voters, and many believe that new leadership is better equipped to tackle them.
These shifts in leadership could also affect how resources are managed in the county. With new commissioners and a new sheriff likely taking office, the budget priorities and policy focus could change. For example, there may be more attention on issues like school safety, senior services, and disaster response planning, which are important to many Ocean County residents.
For now, all eyes are on the November general election, but in a deeply Republican region like Ocean County, the GOP primary often decides the final result. That means the leaders chosen in this primary will likely be the ones shaping the county’s direction for years to come.
Voters, political groups, and community organizations are now watching closely to see how these incoming officials plan to deliver on their promises.
One thing is clear—Ocean County is entering a new political phase, and the changes coming out of this primary could reshape local governance in significant ways.