Former Marine veteran and SWAT Team leader Bill Brown will run for the Republican nomination for Somerset County Sheriff in an attempt to unseat Democratic Sheriff Darren Russo, who has served two terms.
Brown committed to reduce unnecessary expenditures at the county jail, work with federal law enforcement, and take tough measures against criminal illegal immigration.
Brown, a resident of Bridgewater, began his career as a Bedminster police officer and resigned after 35 years of service. He oversaw drug and organized crime task forces while employed at the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office.
Brown stated that our county needs a sheriff who will prioritize public safety, enforce the law impartially, and make sure our exceptional men and women in blue have the resources they need to perform their duties well. I’m prepared to help and defend Somerset County’s citizens.
Brown pledged in his announcement to strengthen ties with local police departments and improve training for law enforcement personnel.
When Russo, a former lieutenant in the Franklin Township police department, first ran for sheriff in 2016, he narrowly defeated six-term Republican Frank Provenzano by 1,286 votes, 50.4% to 49.6%. Russo defeated North Plainfield Police Chief Bill Parenti by a 52%-48% margin, while Provenzano retired in 2019. When he ran for reelection in 2022, he received 55%.
March 4 is the date of the Somerset County Republican convention.
