Ocean County isn’t just a place where people go to grab a boardwalk slice or sit in traffic on the Garden State Parkway. It’s a political heavyweight. In the wake of the November 2024 cycle, everyone is staring at the ocean county election results 2024 to figure out how a traditionally "red" stronghold managed to get even redder, basically acting as the engine for the state’s shifting political identity. It was a massive night.
While the rest of New Jersey often leans blue, Ocean County is the anchor for the GOP. If you live in Toms River, Brick, or Jackson, you probably felt the energy. The turnout was staggering. People weren't just voting; they were sending a message about the economy, local development, and how they felt the country was being run under the previous administration.
The Trump Surge in the Pine Barrens
Donald Trump didn't just win Ocean County; he crushed it. According to the official tallies from the Ocean County Clerk’s Office, Trump secured a massive percentage of the vote, far outpacing his 2020 performance in the region. It wasn't even close.
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Why?
It’s about the "Kitchen Table." You’ve got retirees in Manchester and young families in Stafford all feeling the same pinch at the grocery store. When you look at the ocean county election results 2024, the data shows that Trump’s message on inflation and border security resonated deeply here. He won nearly 67% of the total vote in the county, a jump that left Democrats wondering where their outreach went wrong.
Actually, it's kinda fascinating. In 2020, Biden had some pockets of strength, especially in the more "commuter" towns. But in 2024? Those pockets shrank.
Local Races: The Board of Commissioners and Beyond
While the top of the ticket gets the headlines, the local races are where the daily stuff happens. You know, the stuff like taxes, open space preservation, and who runs the county jail.
Jennifer Lansberry and Robert Arace (who also serves as the Mayor of Manchester) ran for the two open seats on the Board of Commissioners. They won handily. The Republican machine in Ocean County is efficient. It’s a well-oiled system that has dominated local politics for decades. The Democrats, led by candidates like Regina Discenza, tried to make inroads by focusing on overdevelopment and environmental concerns, but they couldn't overcome the partisan lean of the year.
The margins were wide. In many municipalities, the GOP candidates for commissioner were pulling in double the votes of their rivals. It’s a tough environment for a Democrat to run in, honestly. You’re fighting uphill in a county where registered Republicans outnumber Democrats by a nearly 2-to-1 margin.
The Toms River Factor
Toms River is always the one to watch. As the county seat, it sets the tone. The ocean county election results 2024 showed that the internal rifts within the local Republican party—which have been pretty spicy lately—didn't actually hurt them at the polls. Voters chose the "R" regardless of the infighting.
There’s a specific brand of politics here. It’s a mix of fiscal conservatism and a very loud "leave us alone" attitude toward Trenton. When Governor Phil Murphy or the state legislature passes a mandate, Ocean County is usually the first to file a lawsuit or pass a resolution in opposition. This year’s vote was a validation of that "Ocean County First" mentality.
Congressional Shifting: Van Drew and Smith
Jeff Van Drew and Chris Smith are basically institutions at this point.
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Van Drew, representing the 2nd District (which covers the southern part of the county like Waretown and LBI), saw his numbers skyrocket. Ever since he switched parties a few years back, he’s become a hero to the MAGA base in South Jersey. His victory was called early on election night.
Then there’s Chris Smith in the 4th District. He’s been in Congress since 1981. Think about that. He’s survived every political wave, every redistricting, and every challenger. His win in 2024 was just another Tuesday for him. He has this unique ability to hold the conservative line on social issues while still being seen as a "constituent service" king. Even people who don't like his politics often admit his office is great at getting passports or helping veterans.
Why the "Blue Wave" Missed the Shore
A lot of pundits thought the 2024 cycle might see some moderate suburban "softening" in the GOP's grip. They were wrong.
Basically, the demographics are changing in a way that favors Republicans. You have an influx of people moving from North Jersey and New York City who are "tax refugees." They’re moving to Berkeley Township or Barnegat because they want lower property taxes. When they get here, they vote for the party that promises to keep those taxes low.
Also, the Orthodox Jewish community in Lakewood and surrounding areas has become an increasingly powerful and organized voting bloc. Historically, this community has shown it can swing, but in 2024, the alignment with the Republican platform—especially regarding school choice and foreign policy—was nearly total. Lakewood delivered massive numbers for the Republican ticket, which essentially acted as a firewall against any Democratic gains elsewhere.
The Reality of Voter Turnout
Turnout was high. Like, really high.
Early voting has changed the game in New Jersey. People were lining up at the Berkeley Branch of the library and the Toms River municipal building weeks before the actual election day.
- Over 350,000 ballots were cast in total.
- Mail-in ballots remained popular with Democrats, but Republicans significantly closed the gap in "VBM" (Vote By Mail) usage this year.
- Election Day "at the polls" voting was overwhelmingly Republican.
If you were standing in line in Point Pleasant on that Tuesday, you saw a lot of red hats. There was a sense of urgency that maybe wasn't there in 2022.
What This Means for the Future
Looking at the ocean county election results 2024, we can see that New Jersey is becoming more polarized. The "middle" is disappearing. Ocean County is the crown jewel for the NJ GOP, and as long as they keep winning by 60,000 or 70,000 votes here, they will always have a seat at the table in statewide politics.
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However, there are challenges. The county is aging. Infrastructure is struggling to keep up with the population boom. Route 9 is a nightmare. The Garden State Parkway is a parking lot. Eventually, voters might start asking why their "all-red" government hasn't fixed the traffic or the overdevelopment. But for now? The loyalty to the Republican brand is ironclad.
Actionable Insights and Next Steps
If you’re a resident trying to make sense of all this, don't just look at the percentages. Look at the numbers.
1. Verify your registration status. Even though the election is over, the 2025 gubernatorial race is right around the corner. New Jersey never stops campaigning. Check your status on the NJ Division of Elections website to ensure you’re ready for the primaries.
2. Follow the money. The Board of Commissioners just got a fresh mandate. Watch the upcoming public meetings in Toms River. This is where they decide how your property tax dollars are spent on things like the county park system and road improvements.
3. Understand the impact of Lakewood. If you’re involved in local politics, you have to understand the growth of Lakewood. It is the fastest-growing municipality in the state. Its influence on county-wide elections will only increase by 2026 and 2028.
4. Engage with your representatives. Whether you voted for Chris Smith or Jeff Van Drew or not, they are your voice in D.C. Use their constituent services. If you have an issue with Social Security or a federal agency, their offices are staffed specifically to handle those "non-partisan" problems.
The 2024 results confirmed that Ocean County remains the heartbeat of conservative New Jersey. It’s a place where the national culture war meets local grit, and for the foreseeable future, it’s staying exactly where it is on the political map.