Essex County Republicans have picked North Caldwell Councilman John Chiaia to run for County Executive and Caldwell Councilman Pasquale Capozzoli as their candidate for Sheriff. They were approved by a screening committee last night and will run on the organization line in the June primary.
Chiaia and Capozzoli could face a primary if one of the 11th district congressional candidates puts together their own line.
Both face uphill battles against two entrenched and popular Democratic incumbents. Chiaia, an attorney and four-term councilman, will face County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo, who is seeking re-election to a fifth term. Capozzoli is a state corrections officer. He will face Armando Fountoura, who has been Sheriff for nearly 28 years.
Smart move because they will help the GOP nominee in CD11