06-07-2025
Independent candidates file to run for North Jersey races in November. See list
Independent candidates have filed to run for local North Jersey seats up for grabs in the general election on Nov. 4.
The June 10 primary election settled Democratic and Republican party-affiliated seats for the election, including the governor's race.
Independent candidates were able to submit their petitions to run for office after the primary.
Some races have already started to heat up, including in Wayne, between Democrat Donald Pavlak Jr., who won the contested primary, and Republican Mayor Christopher Vergano, who is in his fourth four-year term. The two will face more competition on Nov. 4, as Catherine Kazan, a former school board member, announced she'll also run for mayor as an independent candidate under the slogan "People over Party."
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While Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli will face off for governor, here is a list of local independent candidates looking to win seats in November.
Harrington Park
Gregory J. Evanella: council.
Diane G. Walker: council.
Jeffrey P. Brockman: council, one-year unexpired term.
Norwood
Heather M. Garcia: council.
Oakland
William J. Elliert: council.
Matthew J. Dumpert: council.
Washington Township
Michael DeSena: mayor.
Marc Moschella: council.
Desserie Morgan: council.
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Wayne
Catherine Kazan: mayor.
Katherine McEwan: council at large.
Joyce Duncan: council at large.
Suzanne Pudup: council at large.
Pompton Lakes:
Jennifer Polidori: council.
Patrick J. Quinn III: council.
Dover
Jose Pagan: Ward 1 council.
Kinnelon
Gary Colombo: council.
Randall White: council.
Morristown
Andrea Lekberg: mayor.
Netcong
Michele A. Franchi-Ruocco: council.
This article originally appeared on See independent candidates list for North Jersey November elections
