Howes Wins Landslide Re-Election for Somerset GOP Chair

Defeats Jeff Grant by 82 percentage points

June 27, 2022 - Tim Howes was re-elected to a second term a Somerset County Republican chairman on Monday, easily defeating challenger Jeffrey E. Grant by a vote of 201 to 20, a margin of 91%-9%.

“I am honored to have earned the support of the Somerset County Republican Committee members and be re-elected tonight,” said Howes.  “In all corners of Somerset County, the Red Tsunami is growing.  Five dollar gas, inflation, shortages and a woke social agenda has motivated our base and attracted independents to the GOP.”

A Central Jersey Conservative Union steering committee member – the group was formerly known as the Montgomery Tea Party – Grant unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for Senate in the 16th district in 2021.  Howes had backed former Rep. Michael Pappas (R-Branchburg), who defeated Grant by a nearly 2-1 margin in the primary election.

There were some changes to Howes’ leadership team.

Tracy DiFrancesco is the new vice chair, replacing former Somerset County Commissioner Pat Walsh.  She is the daughter of former Gov. Donald DiFrancesco.  Ravi Kolla was re-elected second vice chair, and Brittany Wheeler received a new term as secretary.  The new treasurers Bob Damiano.

“I appreciate the support for Tim, myself, and the entire executive committee,” DiFrancesco stated. “I look forward to working with Republican campaigns all across Somerset County over the next two years to bring more success to the Republican party.”

Read the New Jersey Globe article here: https://newjerseyglobe.com/local/howes-wins-landslide-re-election-for-somerset-gop-chair/