NJ Candidate's Racist, Sexist, Homophobic, Conspiracy-Laden Social Media Posts Draw Backlash

EAST WINDSOR, NJ - A heated dispute has engulfed Hightstown's Borough Council race after the Democratic committee chair publicly called for Republican candidate Zachary Geltzeiler to withdraw from the election, citing what he describes as conspiracy theories, sexism, and racism posted on the candidate's social media account.

In an open letter dated Tuesday, Matt Morgan, chair of the Hightstown Democratic Committee, urged Republican Committee Chair Skye Gilmartin to ask Geltzeiler to drop out of the race. Morgan characterized the posts from Geltzeiler's campaign social media as containing "nearly every conspiracy theory that one can imagine" along with "sexism, racism, and truly unhinged remarks."

"If this is Zack the candidate, I fear what he would bring to our borough if elected to council," Morgan wrote. He expressed concern that the controversy could become "a major distraction capable of derailing all forward progress, while tarnishing the reputation of Hightstown throughout the state."

Morgan provided links to archived screenshots of the messages and invited residents to view them. He said he felt compelled to share the information with voters despite having initially looked forward to "a respectful competition" with the Republican candidates.

Geltzeiler responded with his own statement to the community, acknowledging the controversy while maintaining his candidacy. He clarified that the social media account in question was personal rather than official, and that his views do not reflect those of his running mate Mark Madonia, the Republican Committee, or affiliated organizations.

"I will start by apologizing to everyone that I have hurt by my comments made on my social media account," Geltzeiler wrote. "Several of the comments I made were hurtful and I regret expressing such views. I own that."

However, Geltzeiler defended his right to free speech, calling himself "a staunch advocate of the First Amendment" and vowing to "fight against censorship" for all citizens.

“Any American has the right to express any idea, no matter how crazy or controversial it may be. I will fight against censorship and defend that first amendment right for every citizen until the day I die,” he wrote.

He noted that his family includes Jewish heritage on his father's side, an African American brother-in-law, and friends in the LGBTQ community, asserting that "the comments presented in the letter do not reflect who I am."

Geltzeiler said the Democratic letter was an attempt to distract from substantive issues facing the borough.

"We are going to push through our campaign, push through the election, and push harder than anyone to stabilize your taxes, fix your water, relieve the traffic and fix the issues that matter most to you," he said.

The controversy comes as the small borough prepares for its upcoming council election.

Morgan said Hightstown's status as "a tiny borough" and "underdog" requires collaborative leadership, suggesting the social media posts could undermine that cooperation.

Meanwhile, Gilmartin has issued a strong defense of Geltzeiler, rejecting calls for his withdrawal from the race.

In a letter dated Thursday, Gilmartin accused Morgan of publishing Geltzeiler's words "out of context" in "a very inflammatory way," calling it part of "that fine Liberal tradition."

Gilmartin said Hightstown Republicans "have never engaged in what we as operatives know as opposition research," adding that even during her own Assembly campaign, she "never got this personal or saw my opposition be this nasty."

The Republican chair said some allegations as factual rather than conspiratorial, citing state legislative discussions on chemtrails and weather modification, and debates about COVID vaccine effectiveness. While stating she doesn't "agree with or approve of everything on Zack's page, especially homophobic or racist comments, or some conspiracies," Gilmartin invoked First Amendment protections.

She also criticized Democratic conduct, alleging the party has "called for violence against Republicans, referred to Trump as Hitler daily," and supported organizations "burning towns for BLM or Hamas."

"Yes, I am standing by Zachary Geltweiler for Hightstown Council, as is my County organization because we believe not only in 1st Amendment freedom of speech, but also because we believe Zack has pursued the issues of the Borough and its citizens," Gilmartin said.