RSLC Announces New Round of Candidates in ‘2021 New Jersey Candidate Spotlights’ Series

Washington, DC — The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) today highlighted a new round of candidates in its “2021 New Jersey Candidates Spotlights” series. The RSLC is proud to support candidates like these, who are fighting to revive New Jersey’s struggling economy and push back against the failed policies from Democrat-controlled Trenton.

Michele Matsikoudis — New Jersey Assembly District 21

Michele Matsikoudis has been a resident of New Providence for 25 years. She works in business development for the number one real estate team in New Jersey and serves on New Providence Borough Council. She’s an active volunteer with New Jersey Veterans Network, New Providence Public Safety Committee, and the New Providence Business and Professional Association. Previously, she’s volunteered on the Economic Development Committee, New Providence Educational Foundation, New Providence Board of Health, and served as PTA President. Michele is deeply engaged in her community and will be a fierce advocate for education, fiscal responsibility, and limited government. 

Erik Peterson — New Jersey Assembly District 23 — @NJAsmPeterson

Assemblyman Erik Peterson is an attorney, small business owner, husband, and father. He’s served in the New Jersey Assembly since 2009 and RepublicanParliamentarian since 2020. Currently, he’s also a member of the Milford Lion Club, the Board of Directors for the United Way of Hunterdon County, and the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce. Prior to joining the Assembly, Assemblyman Peterson served as Director of the Hunterdon County Freeholders. As a father, he understands the importance of investing in the future so New Jersey can again be a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

Robert Singer — New Jersey Senate District 30 — @BobSingerNJ

Senator Robert Singer has served in the New Jersey Senate since 1993. He’s the Ranking Member on the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee and is a member of the Senate Higher Education Committee. Additionally, Senator Singer was designated Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America National Legislative Officer for 2011-2012. He has served on the Monmouth-Ocean Development Council Board of Directors since 2001. Senator Singer has been the sponsor of various economic development measures, including bills to assist biotechnology and computer software firms, and to authorize the creation of Urban Enterprise Zones in the district. He will continue to be a strong conservative voice for families and businesses in the Garden State.

Christian Onuoha — New Jersey Senate District 19 

Christian Onuoha was born in the United States as the first of four children to Nigerian-American immigrants. His father was an engineer and his mother a nurse. Through watching them work to support their family, he learned the value of hard work. Christian is a Pastor and a clinical researcher. He joined the Recreation Advisory Board and Sayreville’s Republican Committee to better understand the challenges affecting his community. As a young Republican, he will work to support the working class, strengthen small businesses, and advocate for policies that will expand opportunity in New Jersey.

DeAnne DeFuccio — New Jersey Assembly District 39

Assemblywoman DeAnne Defuccio has been serving in the Assembly since April when she was appointed to fill a vacancy. She’s a lifelong resident of New Jersey, an attorney, small business owner, wife, and mother. She formerly served on the Upper Saddle River Planning Board and Upper Saddle River town council. Her grandfather, William Kelly, represented Hudson County in the New Jersey Senate for sixteen years. As an Assemblywoman, DeAnne will continue to fight for better education, lower the cost of living, and support working mothers as students return to school and the Garden State reopens for business.

Jay Webber — New Jersey Assembly District 26 

Assemblyman Jay Webber is a Harvard attorney, business owner, Chairman of the New Jersey Republican State Committee, Staff Member at Manhattan Institute, and serves on the Reagan Ranch Board of Governors. Previously, he was the Budget Staffer and District Director to former Congressman William J. Martini. He’s a former clerk for New Jersey Supreme Court Justice Peter Verniero. And, in 2010 he was highlighted by Time Magazine as one of the 40 Leaders Under 40 “rising stars of American politics.” Assemblyman Webber will continue to support equal pay for women, demand Ddirect property tax relief for taxpayers from equalized school funding, and rein in excessive government authority.

Perley Patrick — New Jersey Assembly District 37

Perley Patrick is a United States Navy veteran and former small business owner. He currently serves on the Teaneck County Committee. Perley is a staunch advocate of small government. In the New Jersey Assembly, he will work to support local small businesses, be a voice for his constituents, and advocate for veterans and law enforcement.

Richard Garcia — New Jersey Senate District 38 

Richard Garcia is the President and CEO of Newark Board of Education Employees Credit Union, which is the financial services partner of the Newark Board of Education and provides financial services and products to the largest educational system in the State of New Jersey. Richard has served on several non-profit boards, including the Board of Trustees at Eastwick College and as President of the Bergen County Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce. In Trenton, Richard will be committed to finding a new school funding formula to lower property taxes, preventing over-development and urbanization of residential neighborhoods, and limiting overreaching government regulations.

Robert Auth — New Jersey Assembly District 39 — @Robert_Auth

Assemblyman Robert Auth has been serving the New Jersey Assembly since 2014. He’s a husband, father, small business owner, and former teacher. In the Assembly, he’s a member of the Commerce and Economic Development, Financial Institutions and Insurance, and Judiciary committees. He served on the North Bergen Board of Education, and in 2016 he worked as a delegate to the Republican National Committee (RNC). He knows the importance of consistent, solutions-oriented policy and won’t back down from a tough fight to put the needs of New Jerseyans above special interests.