Former Hunterdon County undersheriff drops out of Warren County sheriff's race

The Phillipsburg resident was seeking the Republican nomination for the seat in the upcoming June 4 primary.

Former Hunterdon County undersheriff Michael Russo announced via social media Monday that he has dropped out of the race for Warren County sheriff due to the recent death of his father and "other family circumstances."

The Phillipsburg resident was seeking the Republican nomination for the seat in the upcoming June 4 primary since announcing his candidacy on Twitter last month.

In a statement published Monday on his Twitter and Facebook accounts and his official campaign website RussoForSheriff.com, Russo cited personal reasons for dropping out of the race.

"Due to the recent passing of my father and other family circumstances, I met with family and friends," Russo said in the statement. "After careful consideration and thoughtful deliberation, I decided not to submit a petition to seek the Republican nomination for sheriff in the June primary."

"I just don't believe I can put on the campaign I would have liked to have run," Russo said today.

In addition to serving as Hunterdon County undersheriff for more than seven years, Russo spent time as a police officer with Hampton and the state Department of Human Services.

Russo's withdrawal leaves two candidates for the Republican nomination for sheriff. No Democrats have announced their candidacy.

In Monday's statement, Russo urged his supporters to join him in endorsing Washington Township police Chief James McDonald in his quest to unseat Warren County Sheriff David Gallant. Russo said he's supporting McDonald, in part, because he believes McDonald would be more responsive to the public.

Russo cited an investigation last year into the personal use of county-owned generators by Warren County jail officers after Superstorm Sandy. Gallant's office conducted the investigation and the officer's involved were disciplined.

But no one was fired, and the county did not reveal those involved and the nature of the discipline.

"McDonald would be more forthcoming with the public," Russo said.

On Tuesday, McDonald said he was disappointed to hear that Russo was dropping out due to family issues.

"I feel very bad that he had to drop out under these circumstances," McDonald said. "I wish him well."

McDonald believes Russo's pledge of support will prove vital as the campaign season inches closer to the June primary.

"I'm sure it will help my campaign a great deal," McDonald said.

Gallant declined to comment extensively on Russo's endorsement of McDonald, noting that he'd rather let his record speak for his candidacy.

"If he wants to endorse Jim McDonald, that's for he and Jim McDonald to weigh in on, not me," Gallant said.

Russo previously faced a 23-count indictment alleging official misconduct and other charges during his time as undersheriff. The charges, which were dismissed by the state Attorney General's Office due to factual and legal discrepancies, were also filed against former Sheriff Deborah Trout and another investigator. 

As of last month, Russo remained involved in a lawsuit against Hunterdon County authorities in connection with the indictment and has previously referred to the charges as "bogus."

The indictment came down roughly a month prior to the 2010 Republican primaries for Warren County Sheriff, a race in which Russo stayed and was defeated by Gallant.