Ocean City Mayor Announces Re-Election Bid

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian has officially announced his bid for a fifth term as mayor, potentially setting up a rematch against Councilman Keith Hartzell.

"I'm running for one simple reason," Gillian said in a video announcing his campaign. "I believe deeply in this community, and I know there is important work still to do."

He emphasized unity in his announcement.

Gillian also addressed rumors regarding him benefitting from the closure of Wonderland Pier and about his personal bankruptcy.

• Read more: Ocean City Mayor Files For Personal Bankruptcy

"Nobody loved Wonderland more than I did. It was my life, my family business, and my legacy. I lost everything trying to keep it alive," he said.

He added that his personal bankruptcy "has nothing to do" with his mayoral business.

Hartzell, currently a Second Ward councilman, has not officially announced his bid for mayor, but multiple reports indicate that he has been knocking on doors and meeting with voters.

That would be a rematch of 2022, where Hartzell centered his campaign around opposing high-rise hotels on the Boardwalk. That's something that is even more relevant now after the closure of Wonderland and the potential for a luxury hotel to replace it.

• RELATED: Ocean City Boardwalk Subcommittee's Findings To Be Revealed

Also up for election are three at-large City Council seats.

Ocean City's municipal election will be held May 12.