New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday nominated Bradley Billhimer, a veteran Toms River criminal defense lawyer, to become the next Ocean County prosecutor.

Billhimer, a Democrat, would succeed Joseph Coronato, a Republican holdover whose five-year term expired in March.

According to a report in the Asbury Park Press, Coronato plans to leave office next month in anticipation of Billhimer's confirmation.

Billhimer could be appointed to the post in an “acting” capacity pending confirmation.

Billhimer, a graduate of Widener University School of Law, began his career as a criminal defense attorney in the Toms River office of S. Karl Mohel, and started his own practice in 2010.

According to reports, he has twice run unsuccessfully for elective office: in 2002, for Ocean County surrogate, and in 2012, for the General Assembly.

Billhimer did not return a call seeking comment, and the governor's office did not respond to a request for more information.

Billhimer's nomination must still be approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee and the full Senate. No hearing had been scheduled as of Monday.