CHAIRMAN KARAVAN LEAVES GOP ON TOP

Former Chairman Michael Donohue Submits Letter of Intent

June 18, 2020 (Cape May County, NJ) – After a nearly five-year tenure, CapeGOP Chairman Marcus Karavan announced today that he will not seek another term as the leader of the Cape May County Regular Republican Organization. The county’s Republican party will reorganize shortly after the July 7th NJ Primary Election.

Karavan, a lifelong resident of the Wildwoods and a partner in the law firm of Blaney & Karavan, has been active in local politics for over thirty years. He assumed the leadership of the CapeGOP in late 2015, when then-Chairman Michael Donohue resigned the position to become a judge on the Superior Court of New Jersey. Karavan was elected to a full, four-year term as County Chairman in June of 2016.

Chairman Karavan’s tenure was highlighted by continuing electoral success, as the Republican party in both Lower Township and Middle Township gained full control of the county’s two largest municipalities. Republicans retained control of all county-wide elected offices and maintained or strengthened their hold on municipal offices in almost every Cape May County town.

Karavan’s term was also highlighted by the historical events of the past year, as Republicans “Flipped the First”, sending Senator Michael Testa and Assemblymen Erik Simonsen and Antwan McClellan to Trenton from the First Legislative District. The year ended with Democrat Congressman Jeff Van Drew switching parties to Republican and culminated with President Trump’s historic visit to the Wildwoods Convention Center in late January.

“Marcus Karavan has done fantastic work as the CapeGOP Chairman,” Senator Testa said. “His leadership and guidance were a key ingredient in the Testa Team’s win in District One in 2019. Marcus built a strong and winning organization that is not only winning,but stays true to the Conservative Republican principles that are the hallmark of the CapeGOP. As Marc steps away, I wish him only the best. I know I will continue to seek his guidance as a true friend going forward.”

As Karavan’s successful tenure ends, former Chairman Michael Donohue, who retired from the NJ Superior Court earlier this year, has submitted a Letter of Intent to seek the CapeGOP Chairman’s position at the reorganization of the CMCRRO to take place in mid-July. Donohue lead the county Republican party from early 2010 through 2015.

Senator Testa expressed confidence in Donohue’s proven leadership.

“Mike Donohue has also been a great friend,” Senator Testa said. “In my role as Cumberland County GOP Chairman, I’ve worked side by side with Chairman Donohue in some tough electoral battles. His proven political acumen and assertive campaign style have served our candidates well. It is testament to the character of Chairman Karavan and the mutual respect shared by both of the leaders, that the CapeGOP will move forward stronger than ever and united in its purpose to foster the American ideals that resonated so strongly with Cape May County voters.”

Karavan believes that the future of the CapeGOP is bright.

“I was honored to be chosen to assume the Chairmanship in 2015 and I’m very proud of the work our team accomplished the past five years,” Karavan said. “We have built on our past record of success and carried our organization to even greater heights. I have all confidence, as I pass the baton of leadership forward, that the CapeGOP will be in good hands, as we move towards crucial election cycles in both 2020 and 2021. I remain committed to the ongoing success of the CapeGOP.”