Longtime Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson has drawn a challenger for next year’s election. According to CBS 12 in Providence, 36-year-old Fall River democrat Nick Bernier, a lawyer and former Bristol County Assistant District Attorney, filed paperwork with the state office of campaign and political finance disclosing his intention to run. Bernier plans to hold an initial fundraiser on December 1 at the Fall River Country Club to raise money for his campaign. State Senator Mike Rodrigues, State Rep. Carole Fiola and Alan Silvia, and Governor’s Councilor Joe Ferreira are all listed as supporters on the invitation. Bernier previously ran for governor’s council in 2012 and lost in a squeaker after a recount. 

Sheriff Thomas Hodgson, 67, has served as Bristol County Sheriff since 1997, when he was appointed by then Governor Bill Weld. Hodgson has become one of the most prominent republicans in Massachusetts in recent years, and last year served as the honorary State Chair of President Trump’s re-election campaign.