Two of the key Republican chairs in the 7th Congressional District firmly back the 2018 reelection of U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance (R-7), identified as a prime target next year for Democrats seeking to capitalize on an anti-Trump atmosphere.

“I endorse Leonard Lance’s reelection, yes, I do,” said Somerset County GOP Chairman Al Gaburo.

So did Union County Republican Chairman Glenn Mortimer.

“We will be with Leonard, yes, I endorse his reelection to Congress,” Mortimer told InsiderNJ.

Faced with the prospect of an animated Democratic Party that is early processing multiple candidates who want to run against the congressman, Lance has already hired Jim Hilk as his campaign manager for the 2018 campaign. Hilk worked for U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, and for Ricky Gill in California.

Sources say that Republicans want to see better fundraising in the coming months from Lance, who in June had $351,019 cash on hand, according to the Federal Election Commission (FEC). One of his would-be challengers, Lisa Mandelblatt, in the same time frame has already reported $202,989 to the FEC.