Betty Lou DeCroce, widow of Assembly Minority Leader Alex DeCroce, today issued a letter of intent to the three Republican chairmen in the 26th Legislative district, expressing her interest in the seat vacated by her husband's death.

DeCroce intends to compete in a scheduled Jan. 25th Republican Convention, vying with former Kinnelon Councilman Larry Casha for the seat. 

"Throughout my life with Alex, I have watched how his dedication, drive, and conviction profoundly impacted his community, district, and the entire State of New Jersey," DeCroce wrote in a letter to GOP chairmen John Sette of Morris, Scott Rumana of Passaic and Al Barlas of Essex. "Alex exemplified what it meant to be a public servant, and I was proud to be his partner every step of the way.

"As I reflected on all of these things in the days following his death, I made the decision, in consultation with my family, close friends and encouragement from Republicans across the district, to follow Alex’s example of public service and seek the opportunity to run for the State Assembly vacancy in the 26^th Legislative District," she added.

"I look forward to earning support with a determined campaign that aims to win the trust of Republican County Committee Members in Essex, Morris, and Passaic Counties, as well as all of the hardworking families, business owners and taxpayers who call our district their home. As a former local elected official, Municipal Clerk, various appointed positions and currently Deputy Commissioner of the NJ Department of Community Affairs, I have the public sector experience needed to operate effectively within government.  At the same time, my private sector experience as owner of two small family run businesses gives me the outsider’s perspective government can sorely lack at times."