TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblyman John DiMaio was elected by Assembly Republicans as the new minority leader on Thursday.
“It is my honor to serve as minority leader as we work to continue the progress Republicans made in this year’s election,” DiMaio (R-Warren) said. “Our caucus, under this new leadership team, will focus on letting people keep the money they earn, parent their children and live freely. It is what Republicans stand for. And is clearly what people want. If Democrats didn’t get that message on Tuesday, Republicans stand to personally deliver it every step of the way.”
The caucus also elected to elevate Assemblyman Ned Thomson to serve as conference leader. Assemblyman Antwan McClellan will replace Thomson as whip.
“Voters rejected the sharp left turn taken by New Jersey Democrats and Phil Murphy over the last four years,” Thomson (R-Monmouth) said. “They don’t want politicians who dictate curriculum from their political perch. They don’t want a state government that can’t deliver on basic services while continually raising taxes and increasing spending. They want freedom and we are here to give it to them.”
Heading into the next legislative session, Assembly Republicans add at least six new seats and 11 new members.
“Our new caucus is a proud representation of the people of New Jersey and reflects the state’s rich diversity. We are welcoming seven new women to the Assembly and the only LGBTQ member in the Legislature,” McClellan (R-Cape May) said. “Our shared struggles, like nation high property taxes and government overreach, will only be solved by voting for Republicans. And that’s just what the people did.”
Joining their first caucus were newly-elected members: Don Guardian (R-Atlantic), Claire Swift (R-Atlantic), Beth Sawyer (R-Gloucester), Bethanne McCarthy Patrick (R-Salem), Michael Torrissi (R-Burlington), Brandon Umba (R-Burlington), Marilyn Piperno (R-Monmouth), Kimberly Eulner (R-Monmouth), Vicky Flynn (R-Monmouth), Michele Matsikoudis (R-Union) and Christian Barranco (R-Morris).