One of the state’s most interesting 2023 GOP primaries reached another milestone last evening.
Lafayette Board President Josh Aikens and Warren County Commissioner Jason Sarnoski launched an LD24 Assembly slate on Thursday night in front of dozens of supporters at Hamburg’s Crystal Springs Country Club. The pair is running for the seats of Parker Space and Hal Wirths who’ve declined to seek renomination in June; Space is running for Senate instead to succeed the retiring Steven Oroho.
“There are times in your life when you truly feel overwhelmed with the support of those around you. Last night, was exactly that. Thank you to all who shared this moment, for this is just the beginning & you’re all coming with us!!! Spread the word!”
Aikens and Sarnoski’s prime primary rivals are Sussex County Commissioner Dawn Fantasia and Chester Township Mayor Mike Inganamort; they’ve teamed up with Space to run as a ticket that’s accruing a substantial amount of early establishment support.
The wild card is Steve Lonegan who is reportedly weighing a challenge to Space. Lonegan could run independently or elect to run with a slate of his own candidates (including Sarnoski and Aikens).
LD24 is deep red. Jack Ciattarelli won 64.5% of the vote there in 2021 on the NEW map. Either way, Republicans will occupy this seat. The only question is who.