Bergen GOP Convention Shocker: Pino Upsets Burress; Zdan Clinches Senate Backing
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, the landscape of the 2026 New Jersey primary shifted dramatically on Monday night as Bergen County Republicans gathered to award their coveted “party line.” In a night filled with surprises, a local councilwoman pulled off a major upset against a high-profile opponent, while a former journalist solidified his status as the frontrunner to challenge Senator Cory Booker.
Here is everything you need to know about the Bergen County GOP Convention results and what they mean for the fight to flip New Jersey red.
The Upset: Rosie Pino Defeats Tiffany Glenn Burress
In the most watched race of the night, Clifton Councilwoman Rosie Pino secured a decisive 91-68 victory over attorney Tiffany Glenn Burress.
The win is particularly stunning because the Bergen County Republican Policy Committee had narrowly recommended Burress just days prior. Despite Burress having the backing of Passaic and Hudson County Republicans—and the name recognition that comes with being the wife of former NY Giants star Plaxico Burress—Bergen delegates pivoted to Pino.
Pino will now carry the party slogan in the race to unseat Rep. Nellie Pou (D) in New Jersey’s 9th District.
US Senate: Alex Zdan Dominates the Field
Former News 12 reporter Alex Zdan continues to build massive momentum in his bid for the U.S. Senate. Zdan crushed his competition with an overwhelming 246-65 vote against former Tabernacle Deputy Mayor Justin Michael Murphy.
The State of the Senate Race:
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Alex Zdan: Now the clear favorite in Bergen to take on Democrat Cory Booker.
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Justin Michael Murphy: Trailed significantly in delegate support.
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The “Favorite Son” Factor: Local physician Robert Lebovics is expected to enter the race this week but was not on the ballot due to filing deadlines.
The 5th District: Kirrane Ready for Gottheimer
In the 5th Congressional District, Sean Kirrane emerged as the clear choice to challenge five-term incumbent Josh Gottheimer (D-Tenafly). Kirrane defeated Sandy Gajapathy with a staggering 155-26 vote, securing the institutional support needed for a high-stakes general election battle.
Key Convention Results at a Glance
| Race | Winner | Opponent(s) |
| NJ-9 Congress | Rosie Pino | Tiffany Glenn Burress |
| U.S. Senate | Alex Zdan | Justin Michael Murphy, Natalie Rivera |
| NJ-5 Congress | Sean Kirrane | Chandiha (Sandy) Gajapathy |
| State Committeewoman | Renee Sisca | Filled Vacancy |
Why the “County Line” Matters
In New Jersey politics, winning the county organization slogan (the “line”) is often the deciding factor in primary elections. By securing Bergen County, Pino and Zdan gain prime ballot placement, which historically gives candidates a significant statistical advantage.
With Pino and Burress now splitting county endorsements (Pino in Bergen, Burress in Passaic/Hudson), the 9th District primary is shaping up to be a total floor fight.
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