Watch Belleville Mayor Debate Between Melham, Vélez: 2026 Election

BELLEVILLE, NJ — Michael Melham and Frank Vélez tackled some hot-button issues during a recent mayoral debate in Belleville.

Belleville’s nonpartisan municipal election will take place 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 nonpartisan elections.

Melham is running for re-election as mayor. He faces a challenge from Vélez, a town council member.

The Belleville Public Schools Parent Organization hosted a mayoral debate at Belleville High School on Friday. Topics discussed during the debate included local real estate development, the municipal budget, government transparency, parking, public safety, education, housing and flooding.

Watch video footage here, or view it below.

TOWN COUNCIL CANDIDATES

Friday’s debate also included a brief introduction of the council candidates running in the 2026 election.

Melham is running on a common slate alongside Deputy Mayor Naomy DePeña and Yolanda Luna, a community volunteer and former PTA and HSA leader. View their campaign platform and backgrounds here.

Vélez is running alongside Danyale Wells, a financial manager and parent organization leader, and Michelle Rodríguez, an educator and ESL professional. View their campaign platform and backgrounds here.

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

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.