Politics & Government
Essex County Republicans Reorganize: Barlas, Devon O’Brien, Freeman
The Essex GOP Committee now has its first vice chair from Newark in 15 years. Residents from Cedar Grove and Maplewood were re-elected.
ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The Essex County Republican Committee recently convened for a reorganization meeting, elevating residents of Cedar Grove, Maplewood and Newark to leadership positions.
New Jersey Assemblyman Al Barlas of Cedar Grove was re-elected for a fourth term as chair.
Mary Devon O’Brien of Maplewood, the municipal chair of the Maplewood Republican Committee, was re-elected for a fifth term as first vice-chair.
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Joy Freeman of Newark, a delegate in the 2024 Republican National Convention who currently serves as vice-chair of the South Ward Republican Committee in Newark, was elected to her first four-year term as second vice chair of the Essex County Republican Committee.
Each officer gave a statement in the wake of the recent meeting:
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Al Barlas – “Our organization is composed of dedicated, loyal, hardworking women and men who believe in our country, our party, our candidates and electing quality individuals to office. Serving as chairman of this organization has been one of my greatest professional honors and privileges. The confidence placed in me to serve another term as chair is incredibly humbling and one that I do not take lightly. I’m proud to serve with vice-chairs Devon O’Brien and Freeman and the rest of our executive committee.”
Mary Devon O’Brien – “I am so pleased to be serving again. It is a true delight. I have watched the party grow, become more diverse in thought and background.”
Joy Freeman – “I am truly honored. As the first person from Newark to hold this position in 15 years, I plan on using it to continue to expand our urban outreach here and all over the county.”
County political committees nominate candidates when vacancies pop up. Members of party committees also determine which candidates get fundraising support, and run voter engagement campaigns when election season swings around.
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