By: Emily Craighead
U.S. Rep. Rush Holt (D-12) has a Republican challenger after all.
With 225 signatures submitted to the New Jersey Divisions of Elections right at the April 10 afternoon deadline, former Helmetta Borough Council President Joseph S. Sinagra filed to run in the GOP primary for Congress, representing the 12th District.
Mr. Sinagra, who served on the Helmetta Borough Council from 1989 to 1999, said he is particularly concerned about illegal immigration, ethics in government and homeland security. He ran unsuccessfully for Middlesex County Clerk in 2005.
Incumbent Rep. Rush Holt submitted 1,216 signatures on his petition to file for candidacy. A Hopewell Township resident, Rep. Holt has served in Congress since 1998. He serves on the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
The 12th District comprises parts of Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth and Somerset Counties.

