Shawn Hyland today formally announced his Republican candidacy for the United States House of Representatives in New Jersey’s Third Congressional District; he most recently served as the Executive Director of Family Policy Alliance of New Jersey, a statewide public policy advocacy organization representing tens of thousands of New Jersey residents.

U.S. Rep. Andy Kim (D-3) currently occupies the seat in question.

Hyland said his candidacy seeks to build a better America – renewed in a spirit of civility, revitalized by timeless convictions, and rededicated to seeking the common good. 

“I am concerned about the critical polarizing narrative that is tearing our country apart. Our society is untethered from the values that once united our nation. The Far Left wants to disrupt and destabilize society by dismantling the family, defunding the police, demoralizing students, and destroying the work ethic. This destructive and divisive agenda needs to be stopped.” – Shawn Hyland

Before joining Family Policy Alliance of New Jersey, Shawn served as the New Jersey State Coordinator for Christians United for Israel – the largest pro-Israel organization in the world with 10 million members. In 2018-2019, he led an Ocean County faith-based initiative “Love Your Neighbor”, in partnership with the Ocean County Prosecutors Office, to inspire tens of thousands of residents to stand against racism and prejudice. He launched Serve Jersey Shore community service weeks in cooperation with dozens of churches and thousands of volunteers, (2017-2018).

Shawn was raised in Ocean County and has lived in the current congressional district for thirty-six years. He has been an ordained minister since 2006 and resides in the Bayville section of Berkeley Township with his wife of twenty-one years Glennys Hyland. Together, they have four children ages 27, 23, 17, and 16.

According to his website:

“I was raised in South Toms River by a single mom with the help of my grandmother. My mother worked two to three jobs most of the time. My father, a Vietnam vet, also worked two jobs for as long as I can remember. I remember standing in lines as a young child for food assistance at local pantries. I also remember the great fun my family would have enjoying the simple things that we could afford. Childhood memories of Seaside Heights to our east and the Pine Barrens to our west are unforgettable.

“At 18, I followed my father’s footsteps and started working midnight shifts in a factory in Lakewood. Eventually, after gaining experience, displaying a strong work ethic, and developing high quality leadership skills, I was hired as a well-paid manufacturing supervisor for luxury cosmetics in Middlesex County.”