Mayoral Race in Berkeley Heights, NJ — November 2026

Berkeley Heights voters will choose a new mayor in the Nov. 3 general election. Mayor Angie Devanney’s term ends this year.

Three candidates are running: Republican John Foster, the Council President; Democrat Susan Poage, the Council Vice President; and independent George de Luna. Union County Life has summarized each candidate’s stated positions below, in alphabetical order.

The issues on the table

Each candidate answered the same questions over four weeks. The topics were small businesses and development, payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreements, the proposed Terrace II project and the township’s Fourth Round affordable housing obligation of 240 units.

George de Luna (I)

De Luna spent 18 years as a broker on a New York City foreign exchange desk and about 20 years as an independent commodities trader. He now officiates volleyball at the NCAA, high school and USA Volleyball levels.

He said PILOT agreements benefit the township and developers, while existing taxpayers cover the cost of new students because the schools receive none of the payments. He would push for PILOT revenue to fund the Board of Education the way regular property taxes do.

He described the affordable housing mandate as government intervention. He would push for a state constitutional amendment making affordable housing requirements optional, while keeping the township in compliance as long as the law requires it. He also suggested considering commercial uses for the Nokia property instead of housing.

John Foster (R)

Foster has served five years on the Township Council, all of them as Council President. He spent 28 years in law enforcement and retired as a police sergeant. He also served six years as president of PBA Local 76, where he negotiated contracts with the township.

He said PILOTs can be a useful tool but should never be automatic. For Terrace II or any future application, he would require a full financial analysis comparing the PILOT with conventional taxes, including school and service costs. He pointed to Connell as a development that pays conventional taxes.

At the end of his term, he wants residents to see a township with responsible spending, maintained roads and infrastructure, and well funded emergency services.

Susan Poage (D)

Poage is in her third term on the Township Council and has taken part in seven budget cycles. She founded the Berkeley Heights Grants Committee.

She said she was the only council member at the time to ask publicly how the township’s 2018 PILOT agreements would affect schools. She noted that revenue from those agreements is dedicated to municipal debt service until 2048. She said the Board of Education now reports 65 students from PILOT properties, which she said creates a funding gap. As mayor, she would bring the Board of Education into talks on future PILOTs.

At the end of her term, she wants residents to point to infrastructure investment. That includes road paving, drainage improvements, green infrastructure to manage stormwater, continued upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant and pedestrian safety.

How and when to vote

Early voting in person runs through Sunday, Nov. 1. Berkeley Heights has an early voting site at the Municipal Building, 29 Park Avenue. Any registered Union County voter can use any of the county’s 10 early voting sites. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters must go to their assigned polling place.

The deadline to apply for a mail ballot by mail has passed. Voters can still apply in person at the County Clerk’s offices in Elizabeth or Westfield until 3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2. Completed mail ballots can go in any county drop box until 8 p.m. on Election Day.

For polling places, drop box locations and other details, visit unioncountyvotes.com or call 908-527-4996.

Find more Berkeley Heights government news and election coverage on Union County Life.

FAQ

Who is running for mayor of Berkeley Heights in 2026?
Republican John Foster, Democrat Susan Poage and independent George de Luna are running to succeed Mayor Angie Devanney.

When is the Berkeley Heights mayoral election?
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Early voting runs through Sunday, Nov. 1.

Where do the Berkeley Heights mayoral candidates stand on PILOTs?
De Luna wants PILOT revenue to help fund schools. Foster would require a full financial comparison with conventional taxes before any approval. Poage would bring the Board of Education into future PILOT talks.

Where can I vote early in Berkeley Heights?
The Berkeley Heights Municipal Building at 29 Park Avenue is an early voting site. Any registered Union County voter can use any of the county’s 10 early voting sites.

Can I still get a mail ballot for the Nov. 3 election?
The deadline to apply by mail has passed. You can apply in person at the County Clerk’s offices in Elizabeth or Westfield until 3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2.