A Republican primary is shaping up in the race for Tioga County sheriff after Gary Howard announced he would not seek reelection in 2027.
Howard, a 50-year veteran of the sheriff’s office who started as a corrections officer in 1977, posted the announcement to Facebook on Aug. 10. Now, two candidates are vying for the top position — Tioga County native and 25-year veteran of the sheriff’s office Frank Lavore and former Tioga County Captain of Operations Shawn Nalepa.
Lavore, who retired from the sheriff’s office in January 2021, set up a Facebook campaign page in June to announce his bid for sheriff. Nalepa announced his candidacy on Aug. 13 at the Blue Dolphin Restaurant in Apalachin.
In 2023, Howard ran unopposed and was elected for what would be his final four years as sheriff.
Legislation signed by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul in December 2023, which moved elections for a number of local offices outside of New York City to even numbered years after January 2025, does not have an impact on the sheriff’s election, according to the New York State Board of Elections.
The primary election for county sheriff is scheduled for June 2027, and the general election will be held on Nov. 2, 2027.
Here’s what to know about Howard’s retirement and the two candidates.
Howard’s announcement, tenure as sheriff
After beginning as a corrections officer in 1977, Howard, a Republican, worked his way through the ranks and eventually spent 22 of his 50 years on the force as the county’s 63rd elected sheriff. In his retirement announcement, Howard said it’s been an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Tioga County.
Howard’s tenure, however, has not been without controversy. In July 2025, a federal jury awarded former Undersheriff Wayne Moulton $2 million in a defamation and false accusation case against the county and the sheriff’s office.
In the lawsuit, filed in 2022, Moulton claimed Howard and Nalepa, then-captain of operations, falsely accused him of misconduct to prevent him from running for sheriff.
The jury unanimously decided in Moulton’s favor, finding those included in the lawsuit guilty of violating his First and Fourteenth Amendment rights. Howard and Nalepa were additionally found guilty of defamation.
Lavore looks to take the top spot
Lavore, a Spencer-Van Etten graduate, began his career as a Tioga County Sheriff’s Office corrections officer in 1997, joined the road patrol in 2001 and served as road patrol sergeant from 2013 until his retirement in 2022. He also spent 15 years as a member of the office’s Emergency Response Team.
A Berkshire resident, Lavore currently works part-time for the Owego Police Department and is a father of four. His two sons serve as corrections officers for Tioga and Tompkins counties.
In an email statement sent on Aug. 12, Lavore said he has good intentions, is a genuine person and cares deeply about the sheriff’s office and the community.
“I want to do something; I don’t want to be something,” he said.
Nalepa steps up and announces his bid
Nalepa started his law enforcement career working for the sheriff’s office as a corrections officer in March 1997 until he transferred to the road patrol division and became a deputy sheriff in May 2000. He was then promoted to road patrol sergeant in April 2008, criminal investigator in May 2009, road patrol lieutenant in January 2018 and captain of operations in June 2020.
After 26 years of service, he retired in June 2023. He currently works as the training director of the Corrections Division with the Broome County Sheriff’s Office.
Nalepa, according to a press release, is also a Board Member with the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce and Tioga County Community Services Board, and a volunteer with the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Regional Council, Knights of Columbus, Parish Council, Special Olympics and Lions Camp Badger.
“I’m running for Tioga County Sheriff because our community deserves top public safety services to keep our residents safe,” he said. “The Sheriff’s Office is on the front lines every day preventing and responding to criminal activity so families, young professionals and retirees can live, work and thrive in our wonderful area. I’m ready to fight for every resident in Tioga County.”
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Meet two candidates running to become Tioga County sheriff
Reporting by Jillian McCarthy and Jeff Murray, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jillian McCarthy and Jeff Murray, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin | USA TODAY Network
