Belleville Election Update: Melham, DePeña, Graziano Lead Challengers

BELLEVILLE, NJ — Voters in Belleville went to the polls on Tuesday to choose a mayor and two at-large members of the town council in the 2022 nonpartisan municipal election.

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Belleville Mayor Michael Melham faced a challenge from Councilman Steven Rovell. Meanwhile, incumbent council members Naomy DePeña and Thomas Graziano faced challenges from Charles Hood and Tracy Juanita Williams.

Melham ran on the "Building a #BetterBelleville Together" slate, along with DePeña and Graziano. Learn more about their campaign platform here.

Rovell ran on the "Belleville Families First" slate, along with Hood and Williams. Learn more about their campaign platform here.

Here are the uncertified results as of 12:06 p.m. on Thursday, according to the Essex County Clerk’s Office.

MAYOR (Vote for one)

With 26 of 26 districts reported, Melham has a large lead over Rovell. Melham has since declared victory, although the results still need to be certified. Read More: Belleville Mayor's Slate Claims Election Victory, Team Rovell Concedes

• Michael Melham – 2,780 votes (62.64%)
• Steven Rovell – 1,658 votes (37.36%)

COUNCIL MEMBERS AT LARGE (Vote for two)

With 26 of 26 districts reported, DePeña and Graziano held sizeable leads over Hood and Williams. DePeña has declared a victory for the entire Building a #BetterBelleville Together slate.

• Naomy DePeña – 2,619 votes (30.78%)
• Thomas Graziano – 2,642 votes (31.05%)
• Charles Hood – 1,700 votes (19.98%)
• Tracy Juanita Williams – 1,547 votes (18.18%)

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