The Ocean County Republican organization will hold elections today for their group’s chairmanship, the most powerful Republican group in the state, and it will be two familiar faces seeking the post.

As first reported by TLS in May, George Gilmore, who previously held the seat from 1996 until 2019, when he was forced to resign following his conviction on tax-related charges, is now seeking to complete his comeback, which began after he received a pardon from then President Donald Trump in January 2021.

Gilmore, who remained actively involved in county politics throughout his saga, will challenge Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy, who is seeking his first political position.

The current party chairman, Frank Holman, who was elected to replace Gilmore, will not be running again.

Holman, and most of the party establishment, is supporting Mastronardy, who also received the support of the Jackson Republican Party and had dozens of allies elected in Toms River in the June primary.

Gilmore has received some support in Brick and other municipalities.

Also helping Mastronardy the last few months is Eric Arpert, the former campaign manager for the 2021 Republican gubernatorial candidate, Jack Ciattarelli.

Ocean County played a huge part in making last November’s gubernatorial election between Governor Phil Murphy and Ciattarelli as close as it was, with Ciattarelli receiving 77,141 more votes than Murphy countywide.

The 700 plus party members will vote this evening. A simple majority is needed to win.