MAYVILLE — A former lieutenant with the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office has announced plans to run for sheriff in this year’s general election.

James Quattrone formally announced his candidacy Tuesday for the top position within the Sheriff’s Office during a meeting of the Chautauqua County Republican Committee. The group met to begin the process of petitioning for U.S. Rep Tom Reed’s re-election bid.

Quattrone, who will seek the Republican nomination, is currently the executive director of the United Christian Advocacy Network City Mission in downtown Jamestown. The county Republic Committee has not yet announced its endorsements for the 2018 election cycle, which will include local, state and federal races.

Dave Wilfong, Chautauqua County Republican Party chairman, confirmed Tuesday that Quattrone announced his candidacy for sheriff as a Republican.

Quattrone could not be reached for comment regarding his decision to run following his recent retirement from the Sheriff’s Office.

If successful in the primary election in September, Quattrone could challenge his former boss for the sheriff position.

Sheriff Joe Gerace has not officially announced plans to seek another term, though he did hint at the possibility. Gerace, a Democrat, was first elected sheriff to fill the final year of Sheriff John Bentley’s term following his death in 1994.

“I love the job and I’m really proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish,” Gerace told The Post-Journal on Tuesday. “I believe there’s more to do and realize it requires steady experience. I’ll be discussing it with my family and will be releasing a formal statement soon.”

In 2006, Gerace defeated challenger Joe Genco by a vote of 22,255 to 9,054; in 2010 the sheriff was uncontested when he received 29,543 votes; and in 2014, Gerace defeated Russell Payne by a count of 21,548 to 12,472.

The general election will take place countywide Nov. 6.

Katrina Fuller contributed to this story.