Belleville Mayor Candidates Pick Council Running Mates: 2026 Election

BELLEVILLE, NJ — The race towards Election Day continues in Belleville.

A non-partisan municipal election will take place in Belleville on Tuesday, May 12. Voters will be asked to cast ballots for mayor and two at-large township council members. Terms last for four years.

Candidates do not declare political parties in non-partisan elections.

Belleville Mayor Michael Melham is running for re-election. He faces a challenge from town council member Frank Vélez.

• Read More: Michael Melham Launches Re-Election Campaign At Birthday Fundraiser
• Read More: Frank Vélez Launches Bid For Belleville Mayor In 2026

Last week, Melham and Vélez released the names of the town council candidates who will be running alongside them on a common slate.

See Melham’s announcement here, and Vélez’s announcement here.

TEAM VELEZ

Vélez will be running alongside Danyale Wells and Michelle Rodríguez.

The councilman said the two women will serve Belleville with “dedication and integrity” if elected:

• Danyale Wells – “Danyale brings valuable experience as a mother, financial manager, and parent organization leader”
• Michelle Rodríguez – “Michelle is a lifelong resident, public educator, and ESL professional committed to serving every student and family”

“Together, we bring diverse experience in government, finance, and public education and a shared commitment to representing every Belleville family,” Vélez said.

“We are running a campaign centered on positive change, practical leadership, and a clear vision to move Belleville forward,” he wrote. “Together, we can be the change for Belleville. Together, we are Belleville.”

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TEAM MELHAM

Melham will be running alongside Deputy Mayor Naomy DePeña and a new candidate on his slate, Yolanda Luna.

Melham provided the following statements about their backgrounds:

• Naomy DePeña – “Naomy has been an integral part of the leadership team that helped guide Belleville through COVID and deliver the upgrades, services, and improvements our residents see today. A former Belleville public school teacher with more than 15 years working with special needs students, Naomy is also a mother, wife, small business owner, youth mentor, and humanitarian mission leader. As deputy mayor, she has consistently been a strong advocate for families, education, and safe neighborhoods, bringing both compassion and proven leadership to the council.”
• Yolanda Luna – “A lifelong Belleville resident, confidential executive assistant to the superintendent of schools, and dedicated community volunteer, Yolanda has spent decades supporting Belleville students and families. A mother of three Belleville students and a former PTA and HSA leader at every level of our school system, she brings professional experience, dedication, and a true voice for families to our team.”

Councilman Tommy Graziano has chosen not to seek re-election after two very successful terms on the slate, Melham said.

“We thank Tommy for his partnership, his commitment, and his eight years of service to Belleville, and we wish him well,” Melham said.

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