Three of the four incumbents seeking re-election to their ward seats on the Orange City Council will face opposition in the May 12 non-partisan municipal election, with Quantavia Hilbert of the West Ward running unopposed.
North Ward Councilwoman Tency Eason faces Lynn Ogbourne. Four years ago, Eason turned back challengers Sharief Williams and Kami Willis 64-25-11%.
South Ward Councilwoman Jamie Summers-Johnson faces Lynval James and James Ward. A third challenger, Lionel Leach, a former CWA Local 1039 president and political operative, has not had his petition verified. Leach was tossed from his union post in 2012 after allegations of financial improprieties. Summers-Johnson, who won by only three votes in 2018, was re-elected in 2022 by a 50%-41% margin against Ward, with James getting 9%.
East Ward Councilman Kerry Coley will face Antoinett Hall, the Orange Democratic Municipal Chair. Coley defeated Fatimah Zurner and Tyrone Tarver, 52%-40%-8%,
Hilbert was elected in 2022 following Councilman Harold Johnson’s retirement. She challenged Mayor Dwayne Warren in 2024 and lost by a 56%-37% margin.
In Belleville, two-term Mayor Michael Melham faces a challenge from Councilman Frank Velez. He was elected in 2018 after defeating three-term incumbent Raymond Kimble by 97 votes, 41%-39%; he was re-elected with 62% against Steven Rovell in 2022.
Four candidates are facing off for two at-large council seats: incumbent Naomy DePena, Yolanda Luna, Danyale Wells, and Michelle Rodriguez. Councilman Frank Graziano is not seeking re-election.
In his 2025 bid for the State Assembly, Velez carried Belleville by 183 votes over Assemblyman Michael Venezia (D-Bloomfield) in the Democratic primary.
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