Morris County Freeholder Tom Mastrangelo ultimately decided against running against state Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) in a GOP Primary.

He sent a statement to InsiderNJ outlining his thinking on the subject.

“Over the last two months, I’ve reflected with family and friends on whether to fight for taxpayers and bring that positive record to Trenton,’ the freeholder noted.

“While I felt strongly that I could be successful based on the overwhelming support to run, as a loyal Republican I felt there was already unhealthy discord in the 26th District,” Mastrangelo added. “I did not want to contribute to that further. Therefore, I will not be running for state legislature in the Republican Primary and will continue fighting for taxpayers as County Freeholder.”