More than two months before the filing deadline, the race already is shaping up for one of four constitutional offices up for election this year.

Sheriff Raleigh H. Isaacs Sr. is facing a challenge from Jennifer Pond, a former Suffolk police officer and current deputy sheriff in the Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office.

Isaacs joined the Nansemond County Police Department in 1970 and was promoted to the rank of captain after the merger four years later. He later served in the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office as chief investigator. He began his first term as sheriff in 1994 and has been in the office since then.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from Christopher Newport College (now University) and attended the police administration program of the University of Louisville, according to his resume on the city’s website.

Pond holds a bachelor’s undergraduate degree from Elon College (now University) and worked in the private sector for a major retailer, as well as being a manager for a group home for developmentally disabled adults.

She was motivated to pursue law enforcement after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, according to her campaign website. During her time with the Suffolk Police Department, she was a patrol officer, recruiter, background investigator and narcotics investigator.

Isaacs fended off challengers by wide majorities in his last two elections.

The filing deadline for the four constitutional offices elected this year — sheriff, treasurer, commissioner of the revenue and commonwealth’s attorney — is June 11, according to Registrar Susan Saunders. Nobody has yet filed for any of the offices except sheriff.

The fifth constitutional office, clerk of the circuit court, is elected on a different cycle and will next appear on the ballot in 2019.

The Suffolk News-Herald will provide detailed profiles of all the candidates as the Nov. 5 election approaches.