OWEGO, NY (607NewsNow) – Top cop candidates are emerging in Tioga County.

Former members of the Tioga County Sheriff’s Office, Frank Lavore and Shawn Nalepa, have officially announced plans to run for Sheriff next year.

Both men seek the Republican nomination in the wake of last week’s announcement that current Sheriff Gary Howard will not seek reelection at the end of his term, which ends in December 2027.

Lavore retired in 2022 after 25 years with the sheriff’s office. The Berkshire resident currently serves as a part-time officer with the Owego Police Department.

Nalepa, who lives in Apalachin, served nearly 27 years with the sheriff’s office before becoming Training Director for the Broome County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division.

As of now, no Democrat has formally announced intentions to run for Tioga County Sheriff. The Primary Election will take place in June 2027, and the General Election is scheduled for November 2, 2027.