Bergenfield Mayor Norman Schmelz will seek the Republican nomination for Bergen County Executive against incumbent James Tedesco.

Schmelz became mayor of the reliably Democratic town in 2013 following the death of Tim Driscoll, after defeating interim Mayor Carlos Aguasivas by 348 votes. He was re-elected in 2015 by 23 votes over Democratic Councilwoman Ora Kornbluth.

Schmelz will run unopposed at the Bergen County Republican convention. He is the only candidate to file a letter of intent with the party organization. He could still face a primary, if one of the fifth district congressional candidates forms their own complete line in Bergen County.

Tedesco is expected to seek re-election to a second term. The former Paramus Mayor ousted Kathleen Donovan in 2014.