Bill Brown, a former SWAT Team commander and Marine veteran, will seek the Republican nomination for Somerset County Sheriff in a bid to take on two-term Democratic Sheriff Darren Russo.
Brown pledged to crack down on criminal illegal immigration and cooperate with federal law enforcement and promised to cut wasteful spending at the county jail.
A Bridgewater resident, Brown retired after 35 years in law enforcement, starting as a Bedminster police officer. He worked for the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office and supervised organized crime and narcotics task forces.
“Our county needs a Sheriff who will put public safety first, enforce the law without playing political games, and ensure that our outstanding men and women in blue have the tools they need to do their jobs effectively,” said Brown. “I am ready to serve and fight for the people of Somerset County.”
In his announcement, Brown committed to better training for law enforcement officers and enhanced partnerships with local police departments.
Russo, a former Franklin Township police lieutenant, first ran for sheriff in 2016 and came within 1,286 votes of ousting six-term Republican Frank Provenzano, 50.4% to 49.6%. Provenzano retired in 2019, and Russo defeated North Plainfield Police Chief Bill Parenti by a 52%-48% margin. He won 55% in his 2022 re-election bid.
The Somerset County Republican convention is scheduled for March 4.
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