Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty is poised to serve as Commissioner of Motor Vehicles in the administration of Governor Phil Murphy, InsiderNJ has learned.

Democrat Doherty won praise locally for his handling of Hurricane Sandy and its aftermath.

He partnered with Governor Chris Christie to rebuild the Shore in his hometown, and subsequently ran a losing campaign for freeholder in Republican Monmouth County in 2016 while helping advance the Democratic Party to future victories in 2017.

A financial advisor by trade, with a Masters Degree in Public Policy from Georgetown University, Doherty served two terms on Belmar council starting in 2006 before being elected mayor twice.

Update: Doherty reportedly declined an offer to lead the MVC; Governor Murphy tapped Sue Fulton to head up the department.