Gov. Phil Murphy is taking sides in the Democratic primary for Passaic County sheriff, backing Thomas Adamo over his primary opponent, Gerald Speziale, the former sheriff.
“Chief Adamo is a leader with the experience and integrity to honor the late Sheriff Richard Berdnik’s legacy,” Murphy said. “His dedication to law enforcement and his commitment to the people of Passaic County is exactly what we need in our next sheriff.”
Adamo, the chief of the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, is the choice of the county Democratic organization for the seat of the late Richard Berdnik, five-term sheriff who died earlier this year.
Court-ordered office block ballots that eliminated the line for the 2024 primary make Passaic one of the most competitive counties in the state. Speziale, the sheriff from 2002 until his resignation in 2010 to take a job at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, leads a slate that includes three county commissioner candidates.
Murphy also endorsed two incumbent county commissioners, Sandi Lazzara and John Bartlett, and newcomer Rodney DeVore.
“I am equally confident that Commissioners Sandi Lazzara and John Bartlett and Rodney DeVore will serve Passaic County well through their shared commitment to fiscal responsibility and community safety,” stated Murphy. “Together, this team represents the best of Democratic leadership — with a commitment to economic opportunity, fairness, and a brighter future for all families. I urge the voters of Passaic County to support them in this June’s primary election.”