EAST HANOVER - The midterms are less than two weeks away, but Brian Bergen is thinking further ahead than that.

Yes, he said Tuesday evening, he is considering a run for governor in 2029. In fact, he said he's "90 percent" a yes..

Bergen, now an Assemblyman from LD 26, was making the rounds at the Morris County Republican Committee's Fall Fundraiser at Ravello, a local banquet hall.

He said he thinks he has "A lot to offer."

A West Point graduate, Bergen spent 11 years in the Army as an Apache attack helicopter pilot. He won his first Assembly race in 2019 back when his hometown of Denville was in LD-25. It switched to LD-26 after the 2020 Census.

That was good news for Bergen, given the fact the 26th is more solidly Republican than the 25th. Proving that, one of the Assembly members from LD-25 is Marisa Sweeney, a Democrat elected last year.

In Trenton, Bergen had been an outspoken conservative lawmaker in a very Democratic chamber. That trait can certainly be an advantage if he seeks statewide office.

Bergen said that decision would be officially made in January, 2028, presuming he wins reelection to his Assembly seat next year.

If he runs against Mikie Sherrill, it will be New Jersey's own Army-Navy battle.

As to his likely path, Bergen said philosophically:

"What's the worst that can happen?"

Tuesday's fundraiser also honored two of the county's women constitutional offices - Surrogate Heather Darling and County Clerk Ann Grossi.

Darling is a former freeholder/commissioner who was first elected surrogate in 2019, beating Assemblyman Michael P. Carroll, who gave up his legislative seat to run. This was considered an upset at the time.

Grossi began her political career on the Parsippany council and was first elected county clerk in 2013.

And she has no plans to go anywhere.

She told the crowd she plans to run again in 2028.

Also speaking was Commissioner Tayfun Selen, who Republicans admit is in a tough fight for reelection against Democrat Chris Russo.

This is because of this year's overall political climate, not anything the all-Republican board has done.

Selen made that point, saying:

"The board works very well. Seven Republicans, seven conservatives."