Former Hazlet Mayor Sue Kiley To Challenge Rep. Pallone In 2022

HAZLET, NJ — Deputy Director of the Monmouth County Board of Commissioners Sue Kiley announced Monday morning she is "seriously considering" running in the 2022 midterm elections for a seat in Congress representing New Jersey's Sixth Congressional District.

NJ-6, which stretches from Woodbridge down to Asbury Park, has long been represented by Congressman Frank Pallone, a Democrat.

Kiley, a staunch Republican, blasted Pallone for his support of President Joe Biden.

"He's buddies with Biden, Pelosi, he's part of that team, that form of government," Kiley told Patch Monday morning. "I just don't like the direction the country is going in. I'm for New Jersey; I'm for conservatism."

Kiley also said she will be making an official announcement about her potential candidacy on the first day of the new year.

"I know Pallone has supporters, but I don't think he has as many supporters as he had in the past," she said.

First elected to Congress in 1988 for New Jersey's 3rd Congressional District, Pallone has represented the 6th Congressional District since 1993. The area stretches from Carteret and Woodbridge into Edison, New Brunswick and down to Asbury Park. It hugs the Bayshore coastline, including towns such as Aberdeen, Matawan, Hazlet, Sea Bright and West Long Branch.

Pallone has long been a vocal critic of President Trump. He issued a call for impeachment one hour before Pelosi announced her formal investigation in 2019.

Patch reached out to the congressman for comment but has not gotten a response in time for publication.

READ MORE: Rep. Pallone Said He Supports Impeaching Trump

In every presidential election since 2000, the district has voted for a Democrat for president: Gore, Kerry, Obama twice, Clinton and then Biden.

Kiley made the announcement that she is mulling a Pallone challenge during a meeting of Monmouth County Republican municipal leaders.

"Frank Pallone no longer represents the values of the people of Middlesex and Monmouth County," Kiley said. "People are not happy with the direction of the country; it's a given fact. We've made Monmouth County a great place to live, but I don't think you can say that for the rest of the country."

Currently on her first term on the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, Kiley went into public service after a 30-year career in health are. She got on her start in politics when she was elected to the Hazlet Township Committee as first a Committeewoman, then Deputy Mayor and Mayor. She was then elected as a county commissioner.

A Republican challenges Congressman Pallone every two-year congressional election cycle, but Kiley has the largest name recognition out of any of his challengers in recent years.

Kiley said Biden's policies have led to price increases for Americans.

"Biden has brought us higher gas prices, higher grocery prices and international disgrace," she said. "Just this weekend, Pallone emailed his supporters bragging about the so-called accomplishments of the Biden Administration. We need to elect new leaders who will put the interest of Americans first."