McCartney Launches Reelection Campaign For West Orange Mayor

WEST ORANGE, NJ — It’s official: Susan McCartney is running for mayor again in West Orange.

McCartney recently held a campaign event at The Residence Inn to kick off her 2026 reelection drive.

McCartney previously served on the township council from 2002 to 2022, and has also served on the planning board. She holds a bachelor's degree from Seton Hall University and a master's degree from Kean University, and is the founder and director of First Mountain Preschool.

Reached for comment about her reelection campaign, McCartney told Patch that she is running for reelection because "West Orange is worth fighting for."

McCartney said her first term has focused on public safety, fiscal responsibility, infrastructure improvements, open space preservation and "responsible economic development."

"Together, we secured more than $19 million in grant funding, including over $7.2 million for roadway improvements, funding for critical infrastructure and public safety initiatives," she continued. "With Green Acre funding, the township received the first in a series of $1 million installments by preserving Rock Spring Golf Club. Areas in need of redevelopment have been remediated by partnering with NJDEP and NJEDA to advance economic opportunities, to support investment in township-owned properties. We have welcomed new businesses and projects to town such as Target, Trader Joe's, Chelsea Senior Living, Stonehill, The Estate (formerly The Manor) and the Essex Equestrian Center to strengthen and stabilize our tax base."

The work isn't finished yet, she added, sharing some of her plans if reelected:

"My vision for the next four years is to continue improving public safety, our roads, parks, and recreational facilities, enhance pedestrian and traffic safety, modernize township services, invest in stormwater infrastructure, our library, and create new economic opportunities to keep West Orange a strong and viable community."

McCartney – the town’s first female mayor – will face a competitive field of candidates this November.

Other mayor candidates who have thrown their hats into the ring include Brian Rock, Tammy Williams, Phil Orphanidis, Joyce Rudin, and Joe Krakoviak.

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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