Ocean City mayor faces two challengers in May election

The May 12 non-partisan race for mayor of Ocean City will feature a contest between four-term incumbent Jay Gillian and two members of the city council, Keith Hartzell and Peter Madden.

The campaign takes place against the backdrop of Gillian’s personal financial difficulties. He filed for Chapter 11 personal bankruptcy protection in December and reported almost $6 million in debt. Gillian’s problems came from the 2024 closure of his family business, Gillian’s Wonderland Pier.

He has said his personal money issues don’t affect his ability to serve as mayor.

Gillian was elected in 2010 with 1,111 votes, defeating Michael Hinchman by a 63%-37%. margin. The incumbent, Sal Perrillo, did not seek re-election.


https://newjerseyglobe.com/local/ocean-city-mayor-faces-two-challengers-in-may-election/