Atlantic City, NJ Councilman Switches to Republican & Much More

With the departure of long-time Atlantic County, New Jersey Commissioner Amy Gatto and a contest versus Democrat Ernest Coursey, for his 1st District seat … there is a lot of early action regarding who will be the Republican Nominees?

Gatto has decided not to seek another 3-year term on in the Atlantic County Board of Commissioners.

We have learned and confirmed that Hamilton Township Mayor Art Schenker will be seeking the Republican Nomination for Atlantic County Commissioner at Large.

"We deserve experienced elected officials that work with great effort and determination for the residents of Atlantic County. That is who I am. That is the team I will run with in 2025," said Schenker.

Schenker is a former President and member of UA 322 (plumbers and pipe fitters) for over four decades and the Atlantic and Cape May Central Labor Council Secretary-Treasurer.

Former Margate, New Jersey Mayor Vaughan Reale telephoned the “Hurley in the Morning” radio program today and he all, but openly declared his candidacy for the District 1 Republican Nomination.

I asked Reale if he had any interest in the suddenly open at large Atlantic County Commissioner seat?

Reale said, “I’m a team player and look forward to attending the Atlantic County Republican Convention and asking for their support,” said Reale.

Upon learning that there is also an unexpected opening for an at large seat, Reale said that he is open to considering that, however, all of his efforts to date have been to explore the District 1 seat, currently held by long-time office holder, Ernest Coursey.

At 9:00 a.m. this morning, Atlantic City Councilman at Large George Tibbitt confirmed (on-air with us) that he has switched his political party affiliation from Democrat to Republican and that he is running for the 1st District seat.

Atlantic County, District 1 is comprised of all of Atlantic City, Ventnor, Margate, Longport and West Atlantic City, (one district in Egg Harbor Township).

Tibbitt was a registered Republican until 2005. He stated that he has left the Democrat Party at this time because the Democrat Party left him.

Tibbitt also confirmed live on-air today on “Hurley in the Morning” that he will seek the Republican Nomination for the 1st District Atlantic County Commissioner seat.

United States Congressman Jeff Van Drew, NJ-R-2, said the following about Tibbitt:

"Five years ago I stood with President Trump, a former Democrat himself, in the oval office and made the same decision as Councilman Tibbett, because the Democrat party that once was is no more," said United States Congressman Jeff Van Drew. "As I've told George many times it was one of the best decisions I've ever made, and I look forward to continuing our work together to defeat offshore wind, reform the broken Atlantic City Housing Authority, and make Atlantic City as clean and safe as we possibly can for all who live, work, or come to visit,” said Van Drew.

We also caught-up with Atlantic County Republican Party Chairman Don Purdy about Tibbitt, who said:

"We're only a few days into the new year and Atlantic County Republicans are already making history by adding a historic third Republican on the Atlantic City Council," said Atlantic County Republican Chairman Don Purdy. "As a small businessman and longtime advocate of gun owners and veterans, Councilman Tibbitt has long been one of the lone voices of reason within the Democrat Party in Atlantic City. George has also been an unapologetic supporter of President Trump and Congressman Van Drew so we're excited to see him follow in their footsteps and welcome him with open arms as we have thousands of others committed to standing up for Atlantic County and our conservative values over the last few years,” said Purdy.

It appears obvious that Schenker and Tibbitt are the current favorites to win the at large and district 1 Atlantic County Commissioners Republican Nominations.