Retired Detective Aims to Flip Hudson County Red

Elvis Alvarez believes he can do what no Republican has done in more than a century: win a countywide race in Hudson County. The retired West New York police detective is running for sheriff in the November 4 general election, determined to challenge the county’s deep-blue political landscape.

Alvarez, 51, spent 25 years with the West New York Police Department, rising to the rank of juvenile detective before retiring in 2023. Born and raised in West New York to Cuban immigrant parents, he has deep ties to the community, from co-founding the West New York Girls Softball League to years of coaching youth sports.

Hudson County has not elected a Republican sheriff since 1904. Democrats currently outnumber Republicans nearly 4-to-1 among registered voters, making Alvarez’s run an uphill battle. “Hudson County needs strong leadership that prioritizes law and order,” Alvarez said in an email to HudPost.

His candidacy comes at a time of political change in the sheriff’s office. After 15 years in office, longtime Sheriff Frank X. Schillari lost the Democratic primary in June to Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis. Weeks later, Schillari switched to the Republican Party, saying Democrats no longer shared his priorities on public safety. Although Schillari has not endorsed a candidate, Alvarez called the move “a testament to the dedication of service Sheriff Schillari has provided to our residents” and said he would be “honored” to earn his support.

Alvarez says he is running to modernize the Sheriff’s Office, strengthen trust between law enforcement and the community, and address mental health issues within public safety.

“I believe Hudson County residents are ready for change,” Alvarez said. “I’m focused on public safety, accountability, and ensuring the Sheriff’s Office serves every neighborhood fairly and effectively.”

The winner of the November 4 election will succeed Schillari when his term ends December 31. For Alvarez, the campaign is a chance to test whether a Republican can compete—and win—in one of New Jersey’s bluest counties.