Representative Harold Capistran Hollenbeck

Harold Capistran Hollenbeck (born December 29, 1938) is an American lawyer, jurist, and Republican Party politician who represented New Jersey’s 9th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives for three terms from 1977 to 1983. His service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history, and as a member of the House of Representatives he participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of his constituents while contributing to the legislative work of the chamber.

Hollenbeck was born in Passaic, New Jersey, and grew up in nearby East Rutherford, New Jersey. He attended the public schools of East Rutherford and graduated from East Rutherford High School. He went on to Fairleigh Dickinson University in Rutherford, New Jersey, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1961. Pursuing a legal career, he enrolled at the University of Virginia School of Law and was awarded an LL.B. in 1964.

After completing his legal education, Hollenbeck was admitted to the New Jersey bar in 1965 and commenced the practice of law in Ridgewood, New Jersey. His early professional years combined legal practice with growing involvement in local public affairs. He became active in Republican politics and quickly advanced from local to state office, building a reputation as a diligent public servant with a strong grounding in municipal and state issues.

Hollenbeck’s formal political career began at the local level when he served as a member of the East Rutherford Borough Council from 1967 to 1969. While still serving locally, he entered state politics and was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly, where he served from 1968 to 1972. During this period he also participated in national party affairs as a delegate to the 1968 Republican National Convention. He subsequently advanced to the New Jersey Senate, serving from 1972 to 1974, where he continued to develop experience in legislative policy and state governance.

In 1976, Hollenbeck was elected as a Republican to the Ninety-fifth Congress from New Jersey’s 9th congressional district, unseating incumbent Democrat Henry Helstoski, who had been weakened by scandal. Hollenbeck took office on January 3, 1977, and was reelected to the Ninety-sixth and Ninety-seventh Congresses, serving continuously from January 3, 1977, to January 3, 1983. Over his three terms in the House of Representatives, he compiled a record often characterized as moderate and pro-labor, reflecting both the political complexion of his district and his interest in balancing business and worker concerns. As a member of the Republican Party, he contributed to the legislative process during his three terms in office and participated in deliberations on national policy during a period marked by economic challenges and shifting political alignments.

Hollenbeck sought reelection in 1982 to the Ninety-eighth Congress but was an unsuccessful candidate. In a campaign shaped by redistricting and an increasingly competitive political environment, he was defeated by Democrat Robert Torricelli, who unseated him by a margin of 54 percent to 46 percent. The loss ended Hollenbeck’s tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives after six years of service.

Following his congressional career, Hollenbeck returned to New Jersey and continued his public service in the judiciary. He was appointed to the New Jersey Superior Court by Governor Thomas Kean and was sworn in as a judge on July 1, 1987. In the course of his judicial career he subsequently moved to the family court, where he presided over matters involving domestic relations and family law. Throughout his professional life, he has maintained his residence in Ridgewood, New Jersey, remaining closely connected to the communities he represented and served in both legislative and judicial capacities.