Somerset County Democratic Committee Chairman Peg Schaffer this afternoon said her screening committee selected a candidate to run against incumbent Republican Freeholder Pat Walsh.

“This year, the County leadership is happy to support Melonie Marano, former Green Brook Mayor, for Freeholder,” said Schaffer.

Marano will join sherriff’s candidate Darrin Russo as the screening committee’s recommendation to the party organization’s March 21st convention.

Together, they present a dynamic team that will bring new participants into the process and set the stage for yet another cycle of Democratic victories in the future,” the chair said.

The committee has developed an ambitious office-year plan that includes positioning the right candidate for the right job at the right time.

“In addition to maintaining our focus on local elections, [vice chair] Zenon [Christodoulou] and I have committed ourselves to supporting Senator Booker’s bid for the White House and returning Congressman Malinowski to Washington.  It is time to elect a Democratic President,” Schaffer said. “We need Zenon’s passion and leadership, once again, as we approach the critical 2020 election season. He has been fighting for religious freedom and human rights for his entire adult life and his participation in each of our campaigns is essential.”

“Our focus is no longer limited to one November at a time. Our resources, talent and outreach enable us to implement a plan that will take us through the 2021 Gubernatorial election and beyond,”   Christodoulou.