On March 8, 2023, the Franklin Township Republican Municipal Committee (FTRMC) met to elect a new chair. The committee unanimously elected Michele Petersen to succeed outgoing Chair Bob LaCorte.

A longtime member of the Republican Committee, Petersen lives in Franklin with her husband Robert. The couple have three grown children, two of whom serve in the military. She is the managing partner of Scarlet Marketing and Strategy, and has served in several leadership positions and boards in Franklin Township and was on the Board of Trustees at Rutgers University.

Petersen succeeds Bob LaCorte, who led the Franklin RMC for two decades. The FTRMC issued the following statement:
“Congratulations to Michele Petersen on her election as the new chair of the Franklin RMC, and thank you to Bob LaCorte for his leadership. Franklin Township is the largest municipality in Somerset County and Republicans need the right leadership to succeed.”

There were some other changes to the Executive Committee. Beverly Lawson will continue as 1st Vice Chair. Santhosh “Sam” Velu was elected 2nd Vice Chair. Patricia Stanley was elected Secretary and Ravi Kolla was elected Treasurer pro tem.