TOMS RIVER – Ocean County Commissioner Virginia “Ginny” Haines has come a long way since she first stepped into county government as a secretary to then-Freeholder John C. Bartlett Jr. in 1980. After a distinguished career spanning multiple levels of government, Haines has decided not to run for re-election, marking the end of an era in Ocean County politics.
In an interview, Haines, 78, said that she had been considering another run for office. However, she ultimately decided it was time to make room for a new generation of leaders. Haines gave notice of her decision to the Ocean County Republican Organization in response to an email setting her time to interview with its screening committee.
“Initially, I was going to run for re-election, but after many conversations with family and friends, I have decided not to run,” Haines wrote. “I will be finishing my tenth year on the board and have had the honor of serving the people of Ocean County in many capacities and have enjoyed every minute. I wish those who are now serving and those who will serve in the future the very best in representing Ocean County.”
Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore acknowledged Haines’ decision to retire from the board at the end of her term. He thanked her for her many years of service to the Republican organization.
“She’s served in many different positions, including as Lottery Director, Toms River Township Committee, and as a Freeholder, as well as at the state assembly,” Gilmore summed up.
Political Beginnings
After working for Bartlett, Haines was asked by now Senator Robert Singer to manage his legislative office during his first assembly run in 1986. Her reputation as a dedicated public servant led to her appointment as Clerk of the General Assembly. In 1991, following a redistricting that opened a seat, Haines launched her own campaign with the backing of then-Ocean County Republican Chairman Joe Buckelew.
“Joe told me he would support me 100%, but I knew it was going to be harder as a woman, even though I knew everybody,” Haines recalled.
She won the election and served in the New Jersey State Assembly, where she made her mark before being tapped for a major statewide role.
Haines’ second term in the Assembly took an unexpected turn when Governor Christine Todd Whitman appointed her as the Executive Director of the New Jersey Lottery. She oversaw the lottery for eight years, implementing key initiatives and managing one of the state’s most significant revenue-generating agencies. After this period, she initially retired from public service, but her time away from government was short-lived.
Return To Public Service
When Ocean County Freeholder Jim Lacey stepped down, Haines was recruited to fill the vacancy.
“They called me and recruited me,” Haines said. “Gerry Little and John Bartlett recommended me, and before I knew it, I was elected by the county committee to fill the term.”
She quickly won full terms in 2016, 2019, and 2022, serving the county for a decade. During her tenure, she was a driving force behind several community-focused initiatives and is quite proud of the many things Ocean County has done since it has grown in her lifetime.
“I truly loved being the chair of Ocean County Parks and Recreation, as well as our natural lands program,” Haines said. “My family has been in Ocean County since around 1670, and I’ve always wanted to make sure we provide the services that are needed.”
Political Vacuum
As a longtime leader in the Ocean County Republican Party, Haines’ departure creates an opening at a time of political transition. Director Jack Kelly, the longest-serving member currently on the commissioner board, has been recommended by the county GOP to replace Scott Colabella as county clerk. The decision is up to Governor Phil Murphy whether to appoint Kelly to the seat vacated by Colabella’s retirement at the beginning of 2025.
Nonetheless, Kelly is the only Republican who screened for endorsement by the committee to be placed on the primary ballot as county clerk. This leaves his seat up for grabs – as well as Haines’ seat.
Gilmore confirmed that three candidates have screened for the two open commissioner slots. They are:
- Shawn Denning, Jr., 36: President of the Ocean County Young Republicans and former President of the Ocean Township Board.
- Samuel Ellenbogen, 37: Treasurer of the Ocean County Utilities Authority and a leader in the Toms River Jewish Community Council.
- Raymond Gormley, 62: A longtime member of the Little Egg Township Committee, having served nearly three decades as both committeeman and mayor for multiple terms.
The screening committee selected Ellenbogen and Gormley with the ultimate decision as to the organization’s endorsement to be made at the Ocean County GOP Convention on February 25.
For more than three decades, Republicans have maintained full control of all five seats on the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, formerly known as the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
This year, Commissioners Robert Arace and Jennifer Bacchione began their first terms in office, marking a significant shift in county leadership. Additionally, Assistant Director Frank Sadeghi, who joined the board in 2024, is in his second year as a commissioner.
