Breaking down the Bergen GOP’s district races

South Bergen

By The Staff | The Save Jersey Blog

While the dust has settled from the county chairman race, Save Jerseyans, Bergen County Republicans will shortly be heading to their respective district reorganizational meetings to elect new district chairs. 

In a few of these districts, the process is just as contentious as the actual chairman’s race itself. Here’s an overview:

South Bergen
South Bergen

District 36

The strongest region in recent cycles for local Republican victories, incumbent Chairman Joe Crifasi appears unlikely to be challenged.  Though originally counted by Yudin as a supporter, Crifasi was always an ardent of DiGaetano and delivered the district nearly in unity for DiGaetano and will look to continue a string of local successes.  The more interesting question is whether Crifasi dissident and ardent Yudin supporter Forrest Elliot will remain as Wood-Ridge chair or whether he will step down following the defeat his ally allowing Al Enriquez to take control of the local party.

District 37

Incumbent Chairman Tom Toscano came under heavy fire from the Yudin camp and, as a result, wound up one of the biggest winners Tuesday. Heading into the chairman’s contest, some detractors including Fort Lee Chair Judith Fisher have been promoting Northvale Municipal Chair Ed Durfee as a replacement. Durfee, who remained officially neutral in the chairman’s race and was a known critic of Yudin, seems more motivated by a desire to attempt to compete against Loretta Weinberg and crew rather than a desire to knock out a DiGaetano supporter.

ld38District 38

This appears to be the only district where the incumbent IS almost certain to fall. Incumbent Pam Link of Hasbrouck Heights, an ardent Yudin supporter, is begin challenged by Fair Lawn Municipal Chairman John Gil, a DiGaetano supporter and Chief of Staff to Assemblywoman Schepisi who has wrapped up nearly unanimous support including some from Link’s hometown of Hasbrouck Height lead by Mayor Jack DeLorenzo and Councilman Pete Traina.  Anything but a blowout victory by Gil would be a surprise.

District 39

The most contentious race takes place Saturday morning between incumbent Mike Ryan and Dumont Municipal Chair Janice Worner.  Ryan, the BCRO parliamentarian for years, was cast aside by Yudin in favor of Franklin Lakes attorney Dave Catugno due to his harsh criticism of the chairman and now seeks to retain control after choosing the winning side.  He is running with his current Vice-Chair Joe Hakim as well as new BCRO treasurer Ed Johnson of Westwood.  Worner, a close ally of Senator Gerry Cardinale, appears to be positioning herself to help protect the senator the way Yudin had for so many years.  Turnout will most likely be the determining factor in who wins this battle.

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