Tracy DiFrancesco Zaikov, vice chair of the Somerset County GOP, issued a statement in response to InsiderNJ’s query about her developing challenge to sitting Chairman Tim Howes.

“I have been receiving many calls from GOP leaders in the county very concerned about the direction of the SCRO,” she said. “Questionable bookkeeping, disregard for election law and ELEC violations as a result, weak fundraising and campaign losses are causing many in the Party to question where the organization is headed. I will continue my conversations with grassroots leaders and hope to be able to contribute in a positive way in the future.”

Difrancesco is the daughter of former Governor Donald DiFrancesco.