Rocco M. Clarizio (December 17, 1916 – August 24, 1990) was an American Republican Party politician from Newark, New Jersey.
In 1964, Clarizio became a candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s 10th district, seeking to challenge Democratic incumbent Peter W. Rodino.
In a historic primary where he was the only white candidate, Clarizio finished third behind two Black Republicans, William L. Stubbs and Dr. Harold R.
[1] Stubbs, who became the first Black to win a major party nomination for Congressman from New Jersey, won 5,148 (63%) to 2,217 (26%) for Scott, with Clarizio finishing third with 892 votes (11%).
[2] In 1977, Clarizo sought the Republican nomination for State Senator in the 28th legislative district, where Democratic incumbent Martin L. Greenberg was seeking re-election to a second term.