The Cape May GOP gathered on Wednesday night and emerged with a new freeholder.
This week’s special election held at the deep red Jersey Shore county’s historic courthouse building was necessitated by incumbent Freeholder Kristine Gabor‘s September resignation and recent relocation to Florida to pursue a job opportunity.
Stepping into her shoes is County Freeholder-Elect Jeff Pierson, a retired Army General from Upper Township, who won a plurality of support of the 200+ voting members of Cape May’s county committee.
Gabor, who served as Director of Health and Human Services, was also a former Assembly candidate in LD1.
“He has served his country, served his family, and he will serve us well as a local elected official,” Gabor said of Pierson when endorsing him during his 2014 township committee campaign. “I am privileged to know him and proud to call him my friend.”
Pierson prevailed with 99 votes.
Barbara Tomalino of Middle Township received 70 votes, Ed Beck of Dennis Township received 9 votes, and Gary Playford of Lower Township received 5 votes.
Primaries tend to decide elections in Cape May County where Republicans enjoy complete control of all county offices including a 5-0 majority on the Board of Chosen Freeholders.
Next up: the Upper Township committee will need to meet to replace Pierson once he resigns his municipal post since New Jersey prohibits dual office holding.
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