U.S. Army Veteran Vincent Solomeno today announced his bid to challenge Republican Senator Declan O’Scanlon, Jr. in New Jersey’s Thirteenth Legislative District.

The lifelong Monmouth County resident is seeking the Democratic nomination and pledges to fight for Monmouth County small businesses and working families.  If elected, Solomeno – who still serves in the Army National Guard – intends to eliminate annual property tax assessments, improve access to education, and advocate for state investments in infrastructure.

“It’s time we replace the politics of the past with an approach to public service that results in a better future for our communities,” said Solomeno. “My campaign comes with a plan to deliver good paying jobs, outstanding public schools, and holding the line on taxes to make New Jersey a more affordable state for everyone who lives in it.”

Solomeno will have to unseat O’Scanlon in the historically Republican district.  While 1991 was the last time a Democrat held the seat, Solomeno is confident that the election is winnable.

“This is not about a political party,” he said. “This race is about who represents us in Trenton and whether our Senator works for his constituents.”

Solomeno criticized O’Scanlon’s authorship of Monmouth County’s Real Property Assessment Demonstration Program (ADP).  He said, “My opponent worked with the special interests to burden taxpayers with annual assessments on property values. My neighbors and I have seen our property taxes skyrocket.  The middle class is getting hosed.  It’s a bad deal. He literally wrote the law and I want to end it.”

“On fiscal issues, Senator O’Scanlon talks a good game but in truth he’s responsible for higher taxes for thousands of homeowners and small businesses,” said Solomeno.

The thirty-five year old Hazlet resident attended the Marine Academy of Science and Technology (M.A.S.T.) and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Scranton. As a Fulbright Scholar, he received his master’s degree from the University of Amsterdam.

Solomeno previously deployed overseas as an Engineer officer assigned to the U.S. Army Central Command. In 2012, he served in Monmouth County during and after Superstorm Sandy. In 2020, he was an operations officer for the New Jersey National Guard’s statewide COVID-19 pandemic response. He is the recipient of the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal.

New Jersey’s Thirteenth Legislative District includes Aberdeen, Atlantic Highlands, Fair Haven, Hazlet, Highlands, Holmdel, Keansburg, Keyport, Little Silver, Marlboro, Middletown, Monmouth Beach, Oceanport, Sea Bright, Rumson, and Union Beach.