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The Asbury Park Democrats saw a dramatic change in leadership as four-term Municipal Chair Giuseppe “Joe” Grillo (above) stepped aside and Angela Ahbez-Anderson was unanimously elected Chair of the Asbury Park Democratic Committee. Pedro Trivella was elected Vice Chair. 

“The Asbury Park Democrats are a voice for our city’s values of progressive civic and political activism,” said Grillo. “I am proud of the work we have done since I was first elected Chair in 2012. We have become one of the most active Democratic committees in Monmouth County and the entire State. For a small city that holds non-partisan elections, we have certainly punched above our weight.”

Grillo said that since 2012 the Asbury Park Democrats have:

• partnered with Asbury C.A.N. and volunteered for their Criminal Record Expungement Program, helping to get almost 200 people’s records expunged, enabling them a new lease on life.
• helped elect [and re-elect] the 11^th legislative district’s first Democratic Assemblypersons elected since 1989 — Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey;
• helped elect our district’s first Democratic State Senator since 1987 – Vin Gopal;
• helped elect Democratic Governor Phil Murphy in 2017 and have begun to rally the troops for his re-election campaign in 2021;
• hosted scores of events featuring Democratic leaders like Senator Cory Booker, Governor Phil Murphy, Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, Congressman Frank Pallone, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, and leaders from the Biden-Harris campaign;
• hosted Campaign Training Boot Camps for aspiring candidates and financially supported Democratic candidates;
• registered hundreds of Asbury Park residents to vote.

“Asbury Park Democrats will build on our foundation of success with Angela Ahbez-Anderson and Pedro Trivella is at the helm. Make no mistake – their elections are historic,” Grillo said.

“Representation matters. It is not enough to have Black and Brown voices at the political table – they must be at the head of the table as well,” said Grillo. “We must meet this moment of anti-racism, anti-misogyny, and social change, and put our words into action in our own Democratic political leadership. I urge other municipal committees in Monmouth County to follow suit.”

“I want to thank Joe Grillo who has worked tirelessly on behalf of the Asbury Park Democrats. I appreciate his dedication his support of me and throughout the years,” said Ahbez-Anderson. “I am honored to serve as the next Chair of the Asbury Park Democratic Committee.” 

“I am honored to begin this new path alongside Angela, a woman that embodies the essence of our AP community,” added Mr. Trivella.

Ms. Ahbez-Anderson has served on the Asbury Park Board of Education since 2011, and is now in her fifth term as President. Angela currently serves as a Trustee of the Asbury Park Library and Vice-Chair of the Asbury Park Recreation Commission. She was elected in 2014 as Vice-Chair of the Asbury Park Democratic Committee. Angela was the Democratic nominee for Monmouth County Clerk in 2020.

Mr. Trivella is a Monmouth University Spanish/Hispanic Cultures Adjunct Professor, Asbury Park School District ESL/Bilingual educator, and Fulbright Scholar. 

The Asbury Park Democratic Committee is comprised of elected and registered Democratic committeepersons in Asbury Park, NJ dedicated to engaging the community both politically and civically, and supporting the candidates and values of the Democratic Party. For more information on getting involved, contact Angela Ahbez Anderson at (732) 804-2817.

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