READINGTON, NJ - Following the June Republican primary, Lisa Routel has launched a write-in campaign against the party's nominated candidates for Readington Township Committee.

Routel finished last among four Republican candidates. After the results were certified and confirmed through multiple recounts, Republican voters nominated Trevor Izzo and Eric Rhoades.

A write-in effort against those nominees does not expand Republican choice. It splits the Republican vote and improves the Democrats' chance to win one or more seats on the Readington Township Committee. Primary elections matter only if their outcomes are respected. Republican voters have already made their choice.

Hunterdon County Republican Committee Chairman Gabe Plumer said:

"The Hunterdon County Republican Committee proudly and fully supports Eric Rhoades and Trevor Izzo for Readington Township Committee. Eric and Trevor were endorsed by the Readington Township Republican County Committee earlier this year and went on to earn the Republican nomination. They carry the full backing of our county organization.

In a year this critical for Republicans at every level, we call on all Republicans to come together, unify our party, and work toward victory in November. Any effort by a Republican to wage a write-in campaign against our duly nominated Republican candidates only divides our party, undermines our nominees, and is detrimental to Republican victory in November. The path forward is clear: Republicans in Readington should unite behind our Republican nominees, Eric Rhoades and Trevor Izzo, and support them on November 3rd."

Izzo and Roades welcomed the county committee's support and call on Routel to immediately end this selfish write-in campaign and fully support the nominated Republican candidates for Township Committee. The nominees have reached out to Routel's campaign several times in an effort to unify the party. To date, they have received no response.

Izzo & Rhoades said they will keep their campaign focused on the issues facing Readington residents: responsible development; protection of the township's rural character and open space; control of spending and property taxes; support for first responders; and a Township government that is transparent and accountable.

We are honored to have earned the Republican nomination and grateful for the support of Readington's Republican voters and the Hunterdon County Republican Committee," Izzo & Rhoades said. "The primary is over. The voters have spoken. Republicans must now unite to protect Readington and win on November 3rd