Belleville Mayor’s Slate Claims Election Victory, Team Rovell Concedes

BELLEVILLE, NJ — Although some votes remain uncounted after Tuesday’s nonpartisan municipal election, “Team Melham” has likely claimed a decisive victory in Belleville.

Mayor Michael Melham and Deputy Mayor Naomy DePeña and Councilman Thomas Graziano each have wide leads as of Thursday morning, unofficial results from the Essex County Clerk’s Office show. Read More: See Belleville Mayor, Council Election Results (Updated)

Meanwhile, Councilman Steven Rovell – Melham’s opponent in the mayoral race – has conceded defeat along with the other members of the “Team Rovell” slate, 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.

Melham wrote that he, DePeña and Graziano were “humbled” about the election results in a post claiming victory.

With 25 of 26 districts reported as of Thursday, 4,235 votes have been counted in the mayoral race: 2,640 for Melham (62.34%) and 1,595 for Rovell (37.66%).

When Melham ran for mayor in 2018 against Raymond Kimble and Liza Lopez, he got 1,845 out of 4,454 total votes.

DePeña has also claimed victory for herself and Graziano in the race for two at-large council seats.

With 25 of 26 districts reported as of Thursday, 8,112 votes have been counted in the at-large council member race:

• Naomy DePeña – 2,489 votes (30.68%)
• Thomas Graziano – 2,510 votes (30.94%)
• Charles Hood – 1,631 votes (20.11%)
• Tracy Juanita Williams – 1,482 votes (18.27%)

“What a thrilling victory and for the whole Team Melham, and we only did it because of you,” DePeña wrote in a social media post. “Thank you for sending a very clear message. How Belleville has evolved, that our town is better today than four years ago and we want more! We don't want to fight each other, if not to fight for a better community. Thank you for saying yes to a #BetterBelleville.”

Rovell posted a message conceding the election on Wednesday. He wrote:

“We want to thank everyone who supported our team and our vision for Belleville. The voters have made their decision. Although we are not happy with the outcome, we respect the decision of the people. We will continue to work to serve the best interest of Belleville in every way possible. Thank you again for all your support.”

Rovell also shared a message from Williams, who wrote:

“I would like to congratulate Mayor Michael Melham, Deputy Mayor Naomy DePeña and Councilman Tommy Graziano on a hard-fought election victory. Yesterday the voters have spoken, and I believe it is important that we honor and respect the will of the people. I am so grateful to have run with Charlie Hood and Steven J. Rovell. They are two great men who both care a tremendous amount about their town and the families that call Belleville home. I would also like to take a moment to once again thank all of the Essex County Trade Union Workers as well as B-Vote members for your support, as well as Councilman John Notari, Councilwoman Marie Strumolo Burke and also Councilman Vinnie Cozzarelli for the kindness and support you showed us throughout this election cycle. I'd also like to thank Belleville Democratic Chair Sal Carnovale for his endorsement and all of the support he has given to myself and my running mates.”

“I am extremely confident that Belleville will move forward in a positive direction when we come together after an election,” Williams concluded, asking people to show the mayor and council “respect and support.”

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Sign up for Patch email newsletters. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Belleville-Nutley Facebook page.