West Orange Council President Is Running For Mayor: 2026 Election

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The president of the West Orange Township Council is setting her sights on a new office: mayor.

Susan Scarpa recently announced that she is throwing her hat into the ring for the town's 2026 mayor race in the upcoming general election. Learn more about her campaign platform here.

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According to the municipal website, the councilwoman works as a speech therapist in the West Orange school district. Her career background also includes sales, marketing and financial expertise. She is a graduate of West Orange High School and holds degrees from Douglass College of Rutgers University, Kean University and Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Scarpa was elected as council president by her peers earlier this year. Her term as both a council member and president will expire on Dec. 31.

Scarpa has been sharing some of her campaign platform on social media, where she recently laid out a four-point blueprint if elected:

• Budget Control – A business-minded approach to spending—we can spend less and get more
• Smart Development – Creating a walkable West Orange where local small businesses can actually flourish
• Safer Streets and Schools – Tackling traffic safety for our kids and confronting school overcrowding
• Senior Services – Honoring our seniors and giving them the voice they have rightfully earned

"West Orange isn't just a town to me—this is home," Scarpa wrote. "I grew up here, went to West Orange High School, and raised my family right here in our community. But right now, our town resources are being mismanaged, and our taxes are increasing at an alarming rate."

"I don't take campaign contributions from developers or special interest groups," the councilwoman added. "My only special interest is you—the residents of West Orange."

Scarpa is joining a crowded field of candidates who are running for mayor this year. Others who have thrown their hats into the ring include Brian Rock, Tammy Williams, Phil Orphanidis, Joyce Rudin, Joe Krakoviak, and incumbent mayor Susan McCartney.

Are you a local candidate seeking office in West Orange? Send campaign news releases and updates to eric.kiefer@patch.com

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