Assemblyman Mike Inganamort was named on Mar. 11 as one of 38 Republican lawmakers nationwide, and the only one from New Jersey, to join the 2026 Class of Emerging Leaders by GOPAC, a political training organization focused on preparing state and local Republicans for higher office or leadership roles.
The recognition highlights Inganamort’s growing profile in state politics. He is currently serving his second term in the New Jersey Assembly representing Legislative District 24, which covers all of Sussex County and parts of Morris and Warren counties. As the youngest Republican in the Legislature and a former mayor of Chester Township, Inganamort has taken active roles on several committees including Budget, Transportation, Environment, Manufacturing Caucus, and co-chairs the Angling and Hunting Conservation Caucus.
“I’m excited to join the 2026 Class of Emerging Leaders and compare the work we do in New Jersey to the experiences of legislators from other states,” said Inganamort. “While no state matches New Jersey’s tax burden, many are grappling with the consequences of excessive government spending. I’m looking forward to learning from colleagues nationwide and bringing back new ideas to help restore fiscal discipline and opportunity in our state.”
Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio nominated Inganamort for this role. DiMaio has served as Minority Leader since 2022 after joining the General Assembly in 2009 according to the official legislative roster. He previously held positions such as Appropriations Officer from 2012 to 2017 and Budget Officer from 2018 to 2019 as reported by the official legislative roster. DiMaio also served as mayor of Hackettstown from 1991 to 1999 according to the official legislative roster.
GOPAC Chairman David Avella said, “Our 2026 Class of Emerging Leaders is the next installment in our mission to build a roster of Republicans who are focused on ideas to make the lives of their constituents easier, safer, and better. Whether it is leading in their state legislative chamber or running for higher office in the future, we welcome being part of their development and success.”
GOPAC was founded by Delaware Governor Pierre “Pete” S. du Pont in 1978 with an aim to develop Republican officeholders capable of running for Congress or higher state offices.
