FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2026

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — In 2022, an effort led by Terrance Turnbach and Tara Kownacki to establish new leadership for the Ocean County Democratic Party sparked a renewed wave of grassroots engagement across the county. Although that leadership bid was not successful, it directly inspired the formation of the Democratic Coalition of Ocean County (DCOC) — an organization that, over the past four years, has hosted fundraisers, rallies, and community events aimed at strengthening Democratic participation in Ocean County.

With the next election for Ocean County Democratic Party leadership scheduled for June or July 2026, the outcome will determine who guides the county organization for the next four years.

Earlier this year, a group of young, civically engaged Democrats launched a new movement: Ocean Democrats for Progress (OD4P). Building on the foundation laid by DCOC in 2022, OD4P identified the need for a clear platform, defined priorities, and a leadership team capable of energizing Democrats across the county. The movement has introduced a slate of candidates representing a mix of experience, community involvement, and emerging leadership:

• Alison Miller of Stafford Township for Chair. Miller, President of the Stafford Democratic Club, is recognized by OD4P for her vision, experience, and collaborative leadership style. She emphasizes that the party must become “more open, more active in the community, and more committed to giving local Democrats the support they need to organize, participate, and compete.”

• Owen Bros of Point Pleasant Borough for Vice Chair. A member of the Point Pleasant Democrats, recent Monmouth University graduate, and incoming Rutgers Law student, Bros represents a new generation of Democratic leadership. He brings organizing experience and a commitment to ensuring young people have a meaningful voice, stating he is stepping forward “because young people in Ocean County are dismissed and left out of politics altogether.”

• Casey Bailey of Toms River Township for Treasurer. Bailey, a member of Toms River Democrats with a professional background in insurance adjusting and mortgage processing, reflects OD4P’s commitment to transparency and responsible stewardship. She notes, “In a place where Democrats have historically faced challenges, I believe it’s critical to stay engaged and show that our voices matter.”

• Laurie Singer of Toms River Township for Recording Secretary. Singer, a licensed massage therapist and certified yoga instructor, serves as President of the Central Ocean Rotary Club and sits on the Ocean County Mental Health Board and Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce. She is also Director of Services for the Toms River Housing and Homeless Coalition. OD4P highlights her strengths in supportive management and community partnership.

• Pat Trotter of Long Beach Township for Corresponding Secretary. Trotter, President of Democratic Action Network LBI and vice chair of the Long Beach Township Democratic Committee, brings a strong record of community engagement. She is seeking this role “because it is time for a change and there is energy and action that we haven't seen before.”

• Kaitlyn Beacham of Brick Township for Sergeant-at-Arms. Beacham, a Brick Democrat active in outreach and grassroots advocacy, frequently participates in protest actions and community organizing. She emphasizes the importance of broad participation, saying, “We can be louder together. We can advocate for our communities together. Together we can support a welcoming and inclusive Ocean County that focuses on meeting the needs of all its residents.”

While some of these candidates may be new to longtime party members, they represent a rising generation of leaders stepping forward at a pivotal moment for the county’s Democratic community.

In recognition of their commitment, energy, and forward-looking vision, the membership of the Democratic Coalition of Ocean County has overwhelmingly voted to endorse the full candidate slate put forth by Ocean Democrats for Progress.

Media Contact: Democratic Coalition of Ocean County
[dcocnj@yahoo.com](mailto:dcocnj@yahoo.com)