Republican state Assemblyman John Catalano has decided not to seek reelection this year, instead opting to run for mayor of Brick, according to Ocean County GOP Chairman George R. Gilmore. Catalano's decision comes amid discontent among Ocean County Republicans with the performance of their legislators in Trenton. Gilmore is not actively discouraging intra-party challenges against Republican incumbents this year. Catalano has been in the Assembly for a little over three years and was planning to seek a third, two-year term before his announcement. Brick is the only town in Ocean County controlled by Democrats.
Here's what you need to know:
- State Assemblyman John Catalano will not seek reelection and instead plans to run for mayor of Brick.
- The announcement came after Ocean County GOP Chairman George R. Gilmore observed that Ocean County Republicans are disappointed in the job performances of their legislators in Trenton.
- Gilmore is making no effort this year to dissuade intra-party challenges against some incumbent Republican lawmakers.
- Catalano, 73, a former Brick councilman, has been in the Assembly little more than three years.
- Last week, Gov. Phil Murphy nominated Brick Mayor John G. Ducey, a Democrat, to a judgeship on the state Superior Court.
- If confirmed by the state Senate, Ducey must resign as mayor of the township, which is home to about 75,000 people.
- The position of Brick mayor pays slightly more than that of a General Assembly member.
