Ben Focarino, who came in third in Tuesday’s election for Bergen County Republican chairman, has thrown his support behind challenger Bob Yudin in next weeks runoff against current Chairman Robert Ortiz.

If Focarino’s former supporters follow his lead, the endorsement could be significant. Ortiz had 277 votes on Tuesday to Yudin’s 262. Focarino had 115 votes in this week’s election.

"I have a deep respect for Rob Ortiz, who took the helm of our Organization during what many say were troubling times. He worked hard to start the rebuilding process and do what he thought was the right way to fulfill the expectations of the County Committee," wrote Yudin in a letter to county committee members.

He continued, "Bob Yudin has shown that he has the fortitude and stamina to be a formidable leader. He has the business background that it takes to run an efficient and effective operation. This is what an association, such as the Bergen County Republican Organization needs at this time."

Whoever wins the election next Tuesday will preside over the party for the next two years. Ortiz has led it since winning a special election in July after former Chairman Guy Talarico resigned.