BERNARDS TWP. – A township resident was one of two candidates to win the Somerset County Republican Organization (SCRO) endorsement on Tuesday, March 5, to run for two seats on the Somerset County Board of Commissioners.
Nick Cuozzo, a gaming industry executive who serves on the township Planning Board, was endorsed along with Warren Township Environmental Commission member Rakesh “Rocky” Ganta in voting at the Somerville Elks Lodge in Bridgewater Township.
In a four-way race, Cuozzo and Ganta received 152 and 146 votes, respectively, followed by Bernards Township Board of Education member Kirsten Light with 98 and Franklin Township resident Noah Fafanah with 36, according to county GOP Chairman Timothy Howes of Peapack-Gladstone.
“Congratulations to Nick Cuozzo and Rocky Ganta.” Howes said. “They are dynamic candidates who will represent Somerset County well, both in the campaign and as County Commissioners.
“Nick’s business and governmental experience means he can handle a quarter billion dollar county budget on day one.” he said. “Because of Rocky’s engineering and business background, he will be prepared on day one to make policy on complex infrastructure issues.”
As party-endorsed candidates, Cuozzo and Ganta will be heavy favorites in the June 4 Republican primary election.
Re-election bids by Robinson and Sooy were endorsed by the Somerset County Democratic Committee during its annual convention at Manville VFW Post 2290 on Thursday, March 7.
The Democrats hold all five seats on the commission board and have won every commission race since 2018. That year, the party won for the first time since 1979, ending 39 years of Republican dominance.
Cuozzo, who has served on the Planning Board since January 2023, expressed gratitude for the GOP endorsement on his Facebook page.
“Last night, I was honored to receive my party’s endorsement for Somerset County Commissioner,” he wrote. “I am grateful and humbled to have the support of my fellow Somerset County Republicans, and am looking forward to a substantive and spirited campaign!”