Veteran Somerset County Republican Sheriff Frank Provenzano will not run for reelection in 2019.

Former Franklin Twp. Police Lt. Darren Russo came close to beating Provenzano three years ago, and is again seeking the Democratic nomination, sources say.

He has not officially declared his candidacy.

The retiring Provenzano is backing fellow Republican North Plainfield Police Chief Bill Parenti.

Republican Tim Pino, a ran the canine unit at the sheriff's office before retiring, is also running for sheriff.