Solomeno Challenges O'Scanlon For Seat; Meets Voters Saturday

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — This November, Democrat Vincent "Vinny" Solomeno will challenge local Republican Declan O’Scanlon, Jr. for the area's state Senate seat.

O'Scanlon represents the thirteenth legislative district, which includes Aberdeen, Atlantic Highlands, Fair Haven, Hazlet, Highlands, Holmdel, Keansburg, Keyport, Little Silver, Marlboro, Middletown, Monmouth Beach, Oceanport, Sea Bright, Rumson and Union Beach.

The election is Nov. 2.

This Saturday, Feb. 20 Solomeno will hold a socially-distanced outdoor campaign launch and meet 'n greet with voters, from 11 a.m. to noon at Tatum Park Holland Activity Center, 144 Holland Road in Middletown, according to his campaign.

While 1991 was the last time a Democrat represented this part of Monmouth County in Trenton, Solomeno is confident that 2021 will be the year.

“This is not about a political party,” he said. “This race is about who represents us in Trenton and whether our Senator works for his constituents.”

Solomeno is a U.S. Army veteran and still serves in the Army National Guard. If elected, Solomeno said he intends to eliminate annual property tax assessments, improve access to education, and advocate for state investments in infrastructure.

“It’s time we replace the politics of the past with an approach to public service that results in a better future for our communities,” said Solomeno. “My campaign comes with a plan to deliver good-paying jobs, outstanding public schools, and holding the line on taxes to make New Jersey a more affordable state for everyone who lives in it.”

Solomeno, 35, currently lives in Hazlet and he grew up in the area he now seeks to represent. He graduated from the Marine Academy of Science and Technology (M.A.S.T.) and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Scranton. He was then awarded a Fulbright scholarship and received his master’s degree from the University of Amsterdam.

Solomeno previously deployed overseas as an Engineer officer assigned to the U.S. Army Central Command. In 2012, he served in Monmouth County during and after Superstorm Sandy. In 2020, he was an operations officer for the New Jersey National Guard’s statewide COVID-19 pandemic response. He is the recipient of the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal.

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