As the 2025 election for Sheriff approaches, I am moved by a sense of civic duty to offer my full and unambiguous personal endorsement of Sheriff Darrin Russo. This endorsement is not issued on behalf of any political party, ideology, or institutional interest. It is offered solely as a personal affirmation of character, competence, and commitment to public service. While it is publicly known that Sheriff Russo is running as a Democratic candidate, I must emphasize, with absolute clarity, that my support is entirely nonpartisan in nature. It is not inspired by political alignment, but by an objective assessment of his exemplary professional record and unwavering dedication to the rule of law.
Sheriff Russo’s career in law enforcement spans over three decades and stands as a model of dignified and consistent service to the community. His tenure with the Franklin Township Police Department is marked by merit-based advancement, professional discipline, and quiet but effective leadership. He has never sought acclaim through flamboyance or self-promotion, but rather has earned trust through the unpretentious performance of his duties and a principled approach to justice.
As Sheriff of Somerset County, he has administered his office with integrity, impartiality, and fidelity to the responsibilities entrusted to him. His commitment to public safety is neither filtered through ideology nor tainted by partisan calculation. He has demonstrated a rare ability to protect and serve all constituents equally, with fairness and dignity, irrespective of their political persuasion or social background.
We live in an era when public confidence in institutions is increasingly fragile, and where the lines between duty and ideology are too often blurred. It is precisely in such times that individuals like Sheriff Russo distinguish themselves not by what they profess, but by what they consistently practice: transparency, accountability, and a sincere dedication to the public good. His leadership has been quiet, deliberate, and steady. He has resisted the temptation to politicize his position and instead chosen the more difficult path of principled service.
This is why I believe it is both appropriate and necessary to affirm my support for his continued stewardship of the Sheriff’s Office. It is not the political banner under which he runs that inspires this endorsement. It is the man himself, his life’s work, and the honorable manner in which he fulfills his oath to the public.
Sheriff Darrin Russo embodies the values that must remain sacred in any democracy governed by the rule of law: impartiality, responsibility, and devotion to duty. These values are not partisan. They are universal. And it is in defense of these enduring principles that I offer my complete and unwavering personal endorsement for his re-election as Sheriff of Somerset County in 2025.
César DePaço
Entrepreneur
Consul ad honorem of Portugal (2014 to 2020)
Longstanding Advocate for Law Enforcement