Op-Ed: Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari’s Switch Signals Cracks in NJ Democratic Stronghold

In what can only be described as a political earthquake in one of New Jersey’s deepest blue counties, Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari has officially changed his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican. This decision is not just a personal move—it’s a powerful reflection of a growing shift happening not just in Hudson County, but across the entire state and country. A longtime public servant and familiar face in Hudson politics, Sheriff Schillari’s decision sends a clear message: the Democratic Party of today no longer represents the values of many of its traditional supporters.

For decades, Hudson County has been synonymous with Democratic machine politics—often riddled with corruption, backroom deals, and insider favoritism. In fact, the political establishment in the region has been more focused on protecting its power than serving the people. Sheriff Schillari’s departure from the party is a signal to voters that even those within the system are waking up to its flaws. It’s not just Republicans pointing out the dysfunction anymore—now, respected figures from within are making their stand.

According to a political insider who is familiar with a majority of the elected officials in Hudson County and wishes to remain anonymous, there is a significant number of current officeholders who, in their hearts, align with traditional Republican values. However, due to the overwhelmingly high Democratic voter turnout in the county, many are forced to run as Democrats just to ensure electoral viability. This insider told Hudson County Truth Media that what’s happening in Hudson County is a reflection of a broken political system—not just locally, but across the nation—where those aspiring to serve the public are often pressured to align with the majority-party label, even if it contradicts their personal convictions.

Adding to this conversation, Hudson County native and Republican candidate for Assembly in District 37, Marco Navarro, also a supporter of Sheriff Schillari and EMS provider in the Hudson County area, has also spoken out on the role of the sheriff in local government. Navarro has previously stated that the office of sheriff should not be politically aligned at all. “A sheriff must always prioritize public safety and law enforcement,” Navarro said. “They are entrusted with overseeing countywide law-enforcement operations, managing jails, court security, and ensuring the safety of the people—not promoting a political agenda.” Navarro has argued that sheriffs should be elected strictly based on law-enforcement merit: experience, education, training, and a proven record of leading effective public safety organizations. Not political allegiance. As both Sheriff Schillari and Candidate Marco Navarro has previously stated during the primaries campaign, “KEEP POLITICS OUT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT!”

Sheriff Schillari’s switch mirrors a nationwide trend. Across the country, lifelong Democrats—many from working-class backgrounds and deeply patriotic families—are walking away from the party they once called home. They’re doing it not out of partisanship, but out of principle. They see a Democratic Party that has drifted far from kitchen table issues—public safety, affordable living, parental rights, secure borders, and economic stability—and into the realm of radical, far-left social experimentation. For many, the Republican Party has become the new home for common sense.

Let’s be clear: this is no small-time switch. Sheriff Schillari is not just any elected official. He is one of the highest-profile officials in Hudson County, and a symbol of trust for many residents. His decision gives momentum to Republican candidates across New Jersey, many of whom are campaigning in areas that, until recently, seemed unwinnable. This is the type of leadership shift that can help break the one-party grip that has held New Jersey hostage for decades.

As GOP momentum grows, we cannot ignore the numbers. Recent polling consistently shows that former President Donald Trump is viewed more favorably by New Jerseyans than Governor Phil Murphy. Voters are fed up with Murphy’s out-of-touch agenda—skyrocketing property taxes, a bloated state budget, and policies that put criminals before law-abiding citizens. Sheriff Schillari’s decision reflects a broader frustration with the failed leadership of Trenton and the stale promises of Democratic insiders.

From Cape May to Bergen, there is a new energy pulsing through New Jersey’s Republican movement. Voters are standing up and saying “enough.” Enough with career politicians who cater to special interests. Enough with policies that hurt working families. Enough with being ignored. Sheriff Schillari is now part of that movement—and it’s only growing stronger.

This is more than a party switch. It’s a sign of things to come. Sheriff Schillari joins the ranks of Americans who are reclaiming their voice and their values. And as 2025 approaches, the message is simple: New Jersey is ready for a change. Hudson County is ready for a change. And the red wave is rising.

It’s time.