Al Barlas

Republican Co-Chair

A 15-year political and legislative strategist, Al began his career in Trenton as Legislative Director for then-Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon before serving as Chief of Staff to State Senator Kevin O’Toole. Upon Senator O’Toole’s retirement from the legislature to become Chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Al also held the Chief of Staff role for State Senator-Elect Kristin Corrado. His career in New Jersey Republican politics began running legislative and county campaigns and then as the Chairman of the Essex County Young Republicans eventually becoming the Chairman of the New Jersey Young Republican Federation. Al currently serves as the Chairman of the Essex County Republican Committee.

As Chief of Staff to Senator O’Toole, Al routinely worked with elected officials on both sides of the aisle in Trenton, serving as a crisis manager to local officials in times of need including the disasters of Hurricane Sandy and Irene. Barlas was also the go-to person for Senator O’Toole and Assemblyman O’Scanlon with the Governor’s Office on all legislation, such as bills to enhance penalties for child predators, the Madison Holleran Suicide Prevention Act, and legislation that created the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority.

Al, known for his bi-partisan relationships, is frequently called upon by members of the NJ Legislature, from both parties, for his political and legislative advice. He served as a staff member on both the New Jersey Legislative Reapportionment Commission and the New Jersey Congressional Reapportionment Commission. In 2020 Al was named as a member of the New Jersey Legislative Reapportionment Commission and the Chair of the Republican delegation to the Commission. Al has been ranked on the NJ Globe Political Power List for consecutive years.

Al resides in Cedar Grove with his wife Sukaina, their daughter Naila and son Kamran.