Caitlin Donovan Appointed To Be New Belmar Mayor

BELMAR, NJ — Caitlin Donovan was sworn in Monday night as the new mayor of Belmar.

Before this, she was a Belmar Councilwoman.

Donovan is taking over the town's top job following the resignation of longtime Belmar Mayor Gerry Buccafusco. Buccafusco announced earlier this year he will be stepping down as he chooses to focus on his health and his family.

Because Buccafusco is a Democrat, the Belmar Democratic Committee had to nominate three candidates to replace him, and the Belmar town Council chose one.

Nominated were Donovan, Barry Lubin and Johanna Roper Robinson. At Monday night's Council meeting, the town council voted unanimously to appoint Donovan as mayor.

There will be an election for Belmar mayor in November. Donovan will run, joined by Roper-Robinson (D) as her running mate, running for a seat on the Council.

Roper-Robinson ran for Belmar town council in 2024, without success. She's currently on the library board and the Belmar Public Housing Authority Board.

Current Councilman Michael DeBlasio is the Republican candidate for mayor, and he is running with longtime resident Suzanne Anan (R) for town council.

The election will be Nov. 3.

"We're incredibly proud to congratulate Mayor Donovan on this well-deserved appointment," said John Walsh, chair of the Belmar Democratic Committee. "From the day we endorsed her campaign for mayor, we knew Caitlin had the experience, vision and determination to lead Belmar. Tonight's unanimous vote is a testament to the trust she has earned, and we couldn't be more excited to continue moving Belmar forward under her leadership."