About YRFNJ
For generations, Young Republicans have helped build, organize, and lead the Republican movement. Today, YRFNJ carries that tradition forward across New Jersey.
Who We Are
The Young Republican Federation of New Jersey connects Young Republicans throughout New Jersey with opportunities to become involved, develop as leaders, build professional relationships, support their communities, and participate in the Republican movement.
YRFNJ is affiliated with the Young Republican National Federation (YRNF), the national organization that unites Young Republican clubs and state federations across the country.
A Movement With Roots in the 1800s
The story of Young Republicans stretches back to the founding of the Republican Party itself.
The Republican Party Emerges
The Republican Party forms nationally amid the struggle over the expansion of slavery.
The Young Republican Movement Begins
The first Young Republican club is established in support of the newly formed Republican Party and the abolitionist movement. This is the beginning of the broader Young Republican movement — not YRFNJ itself.
Early Young Republican Organizing
The New York Young Men’s Republican Union is organized in June 1856, reflecting the Republican movement’s opposition to the expansion of slavery.
Lincoln and a Rising Generation
The New York Young Men’s Republican Union later helps sponsor Abraham Lincoln’s Cooper Union address in New York — an early example of young Republican activism.
Organizing Nationally
Young Republicans become organized nationally when West Point graduate George H. Olmsted meets with President Herbert Hoover, who asks him to lead the Republican Party’s Young Republican division.
The National Federation
The Young Republican division formally becomes the Young Republican National Federation, and George H. Olmsted becomes its first chairman.
The Young Republican Story in New Jersey
A decades-long history — and a new chapter.
Young Republicans in New Jersey
Statewide organizing in New Jersey dates to the 1930s. In 1935 the state organization’s chairman appears at the national Young Republican gathering, and Young Republican chapters are meeting across New Jersey the same year.
A Statewide Presence
The state organization stays active for decades, with county clubs and a state chairman speaking across New Jersey through the 1960s.
Two Statewide Organizations
Two statewide Young Republican organizations operate in New Jersey during these years: the New Jersey Young Republican Federation and the Young Republican Federation of New Jersey.
Reunification
The chairs of both organizations agree to unite, merging the two into a single Young Republican Federation of New Jersey.
A New State Board
The reunited organization holds its state convention on February 6, 2021, electing its statewide executive board for the 2021–2022 term with 16 county chapters chartered at the time.
A New Chapter
At the June 28, 2026 YRFNJ Convention in Toms River, the Level Up leadership team, led by State Chairman Marc Vazquez, is elected unanimously, beginning a renewed effort centered on county growth, leadership development, professional networking, mentorship, communications, digital strategy, policy, skilled-trades engagement, and women’s leadership.
Our Purpose
Recruit
Bring new Young Republicans into the movement.
Develop
Prepare future leaders, activists, professionals, and candidates.
Engage
Give young people meaningful ways to participate in their communities and the Republican movement.
Lead
Create pathways for the next generation to serve and lead.
The Party of Lincoln, Nixon, Reagan & Trump
Abraham Lincoln
16th President · First Republican
The Republican Party was founded to oppose the expansion of slavery, and Lincoln led the nation through its greatest trial to preserve the Union.
Richard Nixon
37th President · Cold Warrior
Nixon opened relations with China, pursued détente with the Soviet Union, and advanced a Republican vision of a strong, respected America on the world stage.
Ronald Reagan
40th President · Conservative Icon
Reagan's optimism and belief in American greatness inspired a generation of Republicans — a legacy YRFNJ carries forward today.
President Donald J. Trump
45th & 47th President · America First
President Trump's America First agenda continues to energize a new generation of Republicans committed to strength, prosperity, and national pride.
21 Counties. One Federation.
We're committed to building an active, connected Young Republican presence throughout New Jersey.
Explore Our ChaptersThe Next Chapter
YRFNJ respects the history it inherited — and focuses on what the next generation will build.