The Somerset County Democratic Screening Committee last night selected Darren Russo to recommend to the party convention this year as the party’s candidate for sheriff.

A retired Franklin Township Police Lieutenant, Russo ran three years ago and came close to beating incumbent Republican Sheriff Frank Provenzano.

Provenzano is not running for reelection this year, and has endorsed North Plainfield Police Chief Bill Parenti.

If he secures the support of the party at the convention later this year on the recommendation of the screening committee, Russo will have a primary.

Art Atkins, a school resources  officer from Bridgewater, also screened and will press forward, a source told InsiderNJ.