A Warren County Freeholder is expressing interesting in challenging incumbent U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (R-5).

Republican Freeholder Jason Sarnoski of Lopatcong has stepped forward to examine his 2018 prospects by filing a Sarnoski for Congress Exploratory Committee.

A Sarnoski ally told InsiderNJ that the candidate intends to move into the 5th District to take a crack at the Democratic incumbent. Bergen GOP sources also say that Republican State Committee Chair Sam Raia has an interest in the seat.

“We’re exploring it,” Sarnoski told InsiderNJ. “I’m really just exploring it right now and I’ve been flattered by the support I am receiving.”

Sarnoski has served seven years as a freeholder, twice as a director and once as deputy director.

“We’re putting together a really good team,” the freeholder said. “I know what he’s raising, and will put together a good campaign. Certainly Obamacare is failing. I haven’t set any policies out there yet on how I would vote but people want a change. The prob is Josh Gottheimer is the wrong kind of change. He’s a tax and spend liberal.”

Sarnoski confirmed that he and his family intend to move into the 5th, and also noted that he lived in the district prior to 2011 redistricting. He pointed out that 15 out of the 22 municipalities in his home county are situated in the 5th District.