Chester Mayor Wins Morris Co. Republican Committee’s Endorsement

CHESTER, NJ — Mike Inganamort, the Mayor of Chester Township and longtime sitting council member, defeated Jason Sarnoski and Josh Aikens last weekend for the Republican endorsement for Assembly in New Jersey's 24th legislative district.

The results were shared on Sunday, following the nominating convention of the Morris County Republican Committee. Inganamort's running mate, Dawn Fantasia, won the second nomination.

In the Assembly race, Inganamort received 78 votes, Fantasia received 69 votes, and opponents Jason Sarnoski and Josh Aikens received 25 and 17 votes, respectively.

Inganamort made the announcement of his campaign with Fantasia, the Sussex County Commissioner, on Wednesday, Jan 18, citing that it was time for fresh, new conservative leaders in NJ-24.

Following redistricting, Morris County accounts for approximately 35 percent of the new 24th Legislative District. Sussex County accounts for 60 percent of the district, while Warren County accounts for 5 percent.

There will be two open State Assembly seats in the 24th legislative district this election season, as incumbents Parker Space (R-Wantage) and Hal Wirths (R-Wantage) have previously announced their intention not to run for re-election.

This week, Senate Republican Leader Steve Oroho and Assembly Republican Budget Officer Hal Wirths announced their support for Fantasia and Inganamort for Assembly.

"I strongly believe in personal liberties, I’m pro-Second Amendment, a stalwart defender of law enforcement, pro-life, and a staunch advocate of smaller, smarter government that lessens the financial burdens on overtaxed residents," Assemblyman Wirths said. "I trust Dawn and Mike will be just as passionate in their defense of these core conservative principles in the state legislature. I believe our district would benefit greatly by their combined advocacy."

Inganamort, who was chosen as the mayor of Chester Township in November of last year, previously admitted to Patch that he had not planned on running for State Assembly.

"People encouraged me to run for Assembly starting last year, but I did not contemplate actually jumping in… The opportunity to run with Sussex County Commissioner Dawn Fantasia presented itself," Inganamort said.

With the election season starting in June, Inganamort has assured the Chester Township Republican Committee that his priorities will remain with Chester and that if he is elected to the Assembly, the Chester Township Republican Committee will recommend a suitable replacement.

This year's primary election is set for June 6.