Essex Commissioner Race Heats Up In 4th District, Candidate Event Planned

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A race for a county commissioner seat is heating up in Essex County’s fourth district, which includes nearly a dozen towns.

Several seats on the Essex County Board of Commissioner board are available in the 2026 general election, which takes place on Nov. 3.

Among other races, a contested election is taking place in District Four, which includes Caldwell, Cedar Grove, Essex Fells, Fairfield, Livingston, Millburn, North Caldwell, Roseland, Verona, West Caldwell and West Orange.

Leonard Luciano, the incumbent, ran unopposed in a Democratic primary election on June 11. The Republican nominee, Adam Kraemer, also ran unopposed. Both will now face off against each other in the general election.

• Related: 2 Longtime Essex County Commissioners Won't Seek Re-Election

CANDIDATE EVENT

The League of Women Voters of Livingston will hold a “Candidate Night” with Luciano and Kraemer on Wednesday, Sept. 23. The event will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Livingston Community Center, 204 Hillside Avenue. Learn more or RSVP online here.

Here’s what to expect, according to event organizers:

“Join the League of Women Voters of Livingston for Essex County Commissioner District 4 Candidate Night, an opportunity to meet the candidates and learn more about the role of an Essex County commissioner. Hear from Adam Kraemer and Leonard Luciano about the issues facing Essex County, what commissioners do, and their priorities for the community. Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask questions and become more informed voters. Come meet the candidates, learn about the office, and make your voice count at the polls.”

The commissioner board has several powers, including approval of the annual operating and capital budgets. Other powers include passing ordinances and resolutions, overriding a veto of the county executive and conducting investigations.

Terms on the board last for three years.

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