Larry Wallace Elected New Gloucester County Republican Chief

Outspoken Republican freeholder Larry Wallace was elected as the new head of the Gloucester County Regular Organization Republicans Wednesday night, beating out a handful of challengers to take over the top spot in the county from former party chair Bill Fey, who resigned last week, a year ahead of schedule.

"I'm both honored and humbled that the Republican committee members chose me to be their torch bearer for the year ahead," said Wallace after he was elected. "I will continue to work hard in building the Republican Party and the Republican brand in Gloucester County."

Wallace comes in to the position of leadership at a busy time. Along with a pair of freeholder seats, the county’s row offices—sheriff, county clerk and surrogate—are all up for grabs.

Wallace praised Fey’s contributions in his acceptance speech, acknowledging the former chair’s dedication to the party.

"Bill Fey worked hard to put me and Vince on the freeholder board, and I hope I can do the same thing by adding two more Republicans in November," Wallace said.

Fey, who ousted former chair Loran Oglesby, a West Deptford resident, leaves with a record of some success: Under his watch Wallace and fellow Republican Vince Nestore were elected to the formerly all-Democrat freeholder board, and West Deptford’s committee flipped to Republican majority for the first time in more than two decades.