Latest news with #RepublicanCandidates
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Who is ahead in the NJ governor race? Polls, candidates, updates
The Brief New Jersey voters will select Democratic and Republican candidates for governor on June 10, with polls closing at 8 p.m. The race is closely watched for insights into voter responses to President Trump's second term. Leading Democratic candidates include U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, and U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, with Sherrill slightly ahead in polls and fundraising. Former state assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, endorsed by President Trump, leads the Republican field, which also includes conservative talk radio host Bill Spadea and State Senator Jon Bramnick. New Jersey voters will have the chance to choose the Democrat and Republican candidates who will fight to succeed Phil Murphy as governor, a race that will be closely watched for signs of how voters respond to President Donald Trump's second term. With the New Jersey primary election on the horizon, here's a look at who's ahead for each party, who the candidates are and when we can expect results. Primary election day is June 10, three days away. Polls close at 8 p.m. What we know In the 2024 presidential election in New Jersey, the first results the AP reported came from Hudson County at 8:01 p.m. ET, one minute after polls closed. Vote tabulation ended for the night at 4:21 a.m. ET in Burlington County with about 95% of votes counted. Emerson College Polling/PIX11/The Hill survey: According to a May survey, 28% of registered New Jersey Democratic voters said they would vote for U.S. Rep, Mikie Sherrill, as Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, and U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer each had 11% of Democratic responders' support. A month ahead of the primary, 24% of Dem voters said they were undecided. SurveyUSA: According to a poll conducted in May, voters showed slightly more favorable options for Sherrill compared to the rest of the field. Gottheimer was a close second. Fundraising numbers: Gottheimer has had a slight edge in fundraising, with about $9.1 million in contributions, followed by Sherrill and Fulop, each with about $8.9 million raised for their campaigns, according to the Associated Press. Emerson College Polling/PIX11/The Hill survey: According to a May survey, 44% of registered New Jersey Republican voters said they would vote for former state Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, while 18% support talk radio host Bill Spadea. A month ahead of the primary, 23% of GOP voters said they were undecided. SurveyUSA: The poll conducted in May only asked voters about Ciattarelli, who "has favorability ratings of 40%-36% among the broader electorate and 63%-19% among Trump voters," accordin gto the New Jersey Globe. Trump endorsement: President Trump has endorsed Ciattarelli in May and campaigned for him in a virtual rally Dig deeper The race for governor features a crowded field of prominent current and former officeholders. U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop Teachers' union president Sean Spiller Former state Senate president Steve Sweeney Former state assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli Conservative talk radio host Bill Spadea State Senator Jon Bramnick Former Englewood Cliffs mayor Mario Kranjac Real estate developer Justin Barbera Tuesday is the primaries for governor, state General Assembly and the uncontested special primaries in state Senate District 35.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Elise Stefanik, a potential candidate for governor, focuses on New York's local races
ALBANY, New York — Republican Elise Stefanik, who's considering a run for governor next year, is turning to races close to home. The House Republican on Wednesday will announce the creation of a political action committee to raise cash on behalf of local Republican candidates in New York. She's expected to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to start. One check will go this week to Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman's campaign through an existing New York GOP account she oversees. Blakeman, like Stefanik, is a staunch ally of President Donald Trump. And like Stefanik, he also has not ruled out a gubernatorial campaign next year. 'Candidates know that when they have the support of Team Elise — this is a highly professionalized team that knows how to turn out the vote and win, and we're going to do that across statewide,' she told POLITICO in an interview. Formation of the PAC — dubbed Save New York — is the latest indication that Stefanik is moving toward a possible 2026 run for governor. Contributions to local-level candidates in otherwise low-profile elections for town supervisor, city council or county office will help strengthen her standing with Republican leaders who will be influential in determining their party's standard bearer against Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul next year. Stefanik indicated the money will be spread widely among Republicans, though there is no fundraising target for the PAC. Ideal candidates are 'someone who is saving New York and they're a Republican on the ballot,' she said. Stefanik has raised millions of dollars over the years to Republican candidates around the country. Her record is mixed. A notable miss was her backing of controversial businessperson Carl Paladino in a House GOP primary over Rep. Nick Langworthy. She has since mended her relationship with Langworthy. Training Stefanik's formidable fundraising network on local races will be a boon for local Republicans who may otherwise struggle for attention and money, Langworthy said. 'It used to be all politics is local. Unfortunately, all politics has become national,' he added. 'If she can focus some of that back on our Republican infrastructure in New York, it will help pave the momentum for what we have to do in 2026.' Stefanik represents a deep red and largely rural House seat that borders Canada. She has a national profile, but is making a clear effort to solidify her ties with downstate Republicans. Stefanik spoke this week at a GOP confab on Staten Island and will be appearing with Republican officials on Long Island as well as Erie County in western New York. She's also set to host a June 17 fundraiser in New York City with state and city Republican lawmakers. The effort is the latest political turn for Stefanik, who withdrew her nomination as Trump's United Nations ambassador earlier this year over concerns her vacancy would damage the House Republicans' razor thin majority. Now weighing a bid for governor, she would have to surrender a safe seat to run statewide in New York, a deep blue state that has not elected a Republican governor since George Pataki's third term win in 2002. Hochul has middling approval numbers, but Trump is deeply unpopular in his native state — further complicating a Republican's chances next year. Hochul's estranged lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado, announced Monday he will challenge her in a Democratic primary. In addition to potentially facing Blakeman, Stefanik stands to contend against Rep. Mike Lawler, a suburban New York City moderate who is considered by many Republicans to be the most competitive candidate to take on Hochul. A Siena College poll last month showed Stefanik is the early frontrunner with Republican voters over Lawler and Blakeman. Stefanik already has a strong relationship with statewide political leaders whose support will be crucial for the nomination. 'She is moving in the direction of running,' said Conservative Party Chair Gerard Kassar, whose organization will honor her at a June 18 event. 'The Conservative Party would be leaning her way in the event she was planning to run. She's very popular in the party.' Lawler, who was recently endorsed by Trump to run for reelection in his swing House seat, has said he will make a decision on running for governor this month. Stefanik does not have a specific timetable for her announcement, but indicated she will campaign aggressively if she does. 'We don't run for second place,' she said. 'We run to win and I'm going to make the decision in the coming months.'
Associated Press
02-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
John Kennedy, Georgia's top Senate Republican, joins race for lieutenant governor
ATLANTA (AP) — John Kennedy, the top-ranking Republican in Georgia's state Senate, on Monday joined a growing field of GOP candidates seeking to become the state's next lieutenant governor in 2026. Kennedy, a Macon lawyer, is banking on the support of Georgia's business community after helping pass a law this year limiting lawsuits and civil verdicts. Burt Jones, the current Republican lieutenant governor, is expected to run for governor next year instead of seeking reelection. He's could announce his candidacy later this summer. Kennedy was first elected to the state Senate in 2014. Majority Republicans elected him president pro tem, the No. 2 position in the Senate, in 2023. Before that, Kennedy had been chair of the majority caucus and led the redrawing of legislative and congressional districts after the 2020 Census, securing Republican majorities. Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch of Dahlonega announced last month that he is running for lieutenant governor, saying he would model his candidacy on President Donald Trump. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Blake Tillery of Vidalia is raising money for a possible bid. Other Republicans could seek the office as well, including state Sen. Greg Dolezal, of Cumming. Kennedy didn't mention Trump in his announcement, saying his top priorities as lieutenant governor would be a strong economy, education and public safety. 'Georgians can be confident that my leadership will be focused on delivering conservative results, not empty rhetoric,' Kennedy said in a statement. 'And I know that by working together, we will keep Georgia growing, keep Georgia learning and keep Georgia safe.' This year, Kennedy sponsored a law that is meant to curb the number of student absences in schools. Like the onetime president, Kennedy's initials are JFK. But this 59-year-old Kennedy, born less than two years after the president was assassinated, is unrelated and bears the middle name of Flanders. Georgia's lieutenant governor presides over Senate sessions, but senators decide how much power the official has. When senators agree, lieutenant governors can be influential. As president pro tem, Kennedy already works with Jones to set the agenda for the Senate. On the Democratic side, the only declared candidate is state Sen. Josh McLaurin of Sandy Springs.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Meet the four Republican candidates in the Erie City Council race
No Republican has been elected to Erie City Council since 1989, when Denise Robison won a seat on the seven-member panel. Four candidates on the ballot in the May 20 municipal election are trying to change that Yevet Anderson, Anita Fay, Tina Hiotis and Kimberly Hunter are seeking GOP nominations for City Council. There are four seats on the ballot so all four are virtually certain to move on to the Nov. 4 municipal election. Election coverage: Who are the candidates for city of Erie, county races in the May primary? Six Democrats, however, are in the race, including two incumbents — Jasmine Flores and Maurice Troop. Both were first elected in 2021 and are seeking their second four-year terms on the panel. Other Democrats in the race are Erie County Councilman Andre Horton, who cannot seek re-election to County Council because of county term limit rules; Deonte Cooley; Marilyn Pol, a former deputy city clerk; and Darrel Vandeveld. No Republican has served on City Council since John Evans, a CPA and certified financial planner, did so as an appointee between June 2012 and December 2013. Evans had been the first Republican to serve on City Council since Robison. That Democratic dominance is largely due to the more than 2-to-1 Democratic voter registration edge within city limits. Starting in 2024, City Council members saw their first salary increase since 1986. Council members who've served 12 months or less now earn $6,000 a year; the salary is $8,000 for members who have served between 12 and 24 months. Members who have served between 24 and 36 months receive $10,000 annually; those who've served 36 months or more earn $12,000 a year. Council's president receives an additional $2,000 a year. Here are the Republican candidates for City Council and their answers to the same question about the position. The Erie Times-News reserved the right to edit the candidates' answers for length and clarity. Age:73 Occupation: retired educator, business owner, event director/event coordinator Education: bachelor's degree Family: Widowed after 33 years of marriage; 12 foster children and over 500 'sports children' that I have coached in hockey nationwide Question: Why are you running, and what specific qualities would make you an effective member of Erie City Council? Answer: I'm not a politician even though I am running for Erie City Council. I am a third generation citizen of Erie and I love my hometown. My encounters throughout my life with Erie citizens have made me who I am. I am a volunteer, a mentor, and a developer of venues for our citizens of all ages throughout my years. I want to give back to my city for all it has done for me and my family. I see a need to bring Erie back to its greatness. Let's look at integrity and accountability and transparency in our government. Accountability of services that citizens pay for such as refuse services, streets and plowing, and street maintenance. City Council, Erie citizens, businesses, and services all need to work together as a team. I ask for your support in the upcoming election because I love this city and I want future generations to know it can be great again if we vote red in the upcoming election. Age: 59 Occupation: U.S. Postal Service employee Education: Civil service training Family: three children, six grandchildren Why are you running, and what specific qualities would make you an effective member of Erie City Council? Last year, I began volunteering during the presidential election, and through that experience, I saw firsthand how vital civic engagement is to the future of our communities. It was a turning point for me when I realized that if we want change, we need to step up and be part of the solution. That's why I made the decision to run for Erie City Council. My career as a Postmaster General and trainer placed me in a leadership role where I was responsible for implementing policies and ensuring employee performance met high standards. I plan to bring that same level of dedication and professionalism to the City Council, working collaboratively to deliver quality services while addressing the growing tax burden on our residents. Just as families are expected to live within their means, I believe the government should do the same. In over 60 years, only three Republican conservatives have been elected to the Erie city government. It's clear we need a new direction, and that starts with fresh leadership and a bold, responsible vision for the future. Age: 56 Occupation: Retired registered nurse; independent contracts/grants consultant; U.S. Army veteran Education: Hinds Community College, Associate degree in nursing; BSN to MSN in nursing from University of Southern Mississippi. Family: Married with three children; five grandchildren Why are you running, and what specific qualities would make you an effective member of Erie City Council? I decided to run for Erie City Council because, as a concerned citizen and taxpayer, I could no longer sit back and watch the city I chose to call home continue its decades-long decline. Despite Erie's potential, I've seen little sign of a true rebound. For over 60 years, one-party rule — specifically by Democrats — has held a stronghold on our city. The result? Poor decisions, missed opportunities, and leadership that's been recycled from one government position to another without real progress. I asked myself: If the same people who led us into this decline keep getting elected, how can we expect a different outcome? Erie doesn't need more recycled ideas from the same political machine. It needs new leadership, fresh energy, and the courage to try something different. I bring a track record of leadership and expertise in finance, budgeting, and policy creation. My experience helping companies of all sizes secure government contracts and grants has given me the skills to bring real, results-driven change to our city. Age: 57 Occupation: Retired Education: Studied at Mercyhurst University Family: Married with three children; two grandchildren Why are you running, and what specific qualities would make you an effective member of Erie City Council? One of the many reasons that I have decided to run for office is that we have a terrible divide right now with the two political parties, and even though I'm a Republican I feel that I can bring unity to the community. I'd like to be a voice of common sense for all voters. Many Republicans feel they have no voice, and I'd like to be their voice. I've had many careers over the years from retail management to working with our youth in the Erie public schools. I've also formed great connections with people in the federal government to help bring in the federal dollars we need to help with new infrastructure, to make Erie attractive for bigger businesses, and that also includes safe, clean, drivable roads at no additional cost to the already burdened taxpayers. By everyone working together towards one common goal no matter their party I believe Erie has a bright future ahead. Contact Kevin Flowers at kflowers@ Follow him on X at @ETNflowers. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Four Republican candidates in Erie City Council race for primary
Washington Post
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
Georgia Republicans look to rally behind a challenger to Sen. Jon Ossoff
ATLANTA — When Georgia's governor and a lightning-rod congresswoman decided last week to not run for the U.S. Senate, it seemed like the waiting game was over among Republicans seeking to challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff . U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, who represents a district on the Georgia coast, had become the first major Republican candidate to declare when he announced on Thursday. Then, state Insurance Commissioner John King did the same on Monday.
