Daniolowicz, Brown Running For Caldwell Council In 2025 Election

CALDWELL, NJ — Two incumbent council members in Caldwell are throwing their hats into the ring for re-election in 2025: Darren Daniolowicz and Kris Brown.

Daniolowicz and Brown announced their re-election bids on Tuesday. Both are running uncontested as Republicans for the Caldwell Borough Council.

A primary election will take place on June 10. The general election will take place on Nov. 4. Learn more about voting in New Jersey here.

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According to a campaign statement, Daniolowicz and Brown said they hope to continue the “incredible progress” that has recently been made in the township.

That includes:

• “Securing a new municipal building and financing for the relocation of town hall and the library at 80 Bloomfield Avenue, with a major and significant cost savings compared to the previous administration’s plan.”
• “A strong commitment to public safety with the hiring of three new police officers, raising the total number on the force to 21, up from 18 at the beginning of the Councilmen’s term.”
• “During all three years of Council President Daniolowicz and Councilman Brown’s term, all three of the borough’s budgets (water, sewer, and operating) have been ‘in the black’ and the borrowing limit that was reached by previous administration, is down over $12 million dollars.”

“We’re full steam ahead moving in the right direction with light at the tunnel – and I couldn’t be prouder of our work thus far,” Daniolowicz said.

“We finally have a fully staffed police department, a new fire truck soon to be delivered, and a new borough hall and library under construction on Bloomfield Avenue,” Daniolowicz added. “Great things are happening in Caldwell!”

Brown said that Caldwell is a special place.

“It’s where I chose to live and raise my family, and I am proud to say that,” Brown enthused. “I am proud of what Caldwell is and who we are as Chiefs. I want my kids to say the same thing when they are my age – and that is only possible if we continue to make this town affordable, safe, and provide the finest of services West Essex has to offer.”

Their campaign team provided the following backgrounds about each council member:

Darren Daniolowicz – “Darren Daniolowicz is deeply rooted in the community having lived in Caldwell for nearly two decades. Born and raised in West Caldwell, he is a lifelong Chief and a proud graduate of James Caldwell High School, Class of 1993. A dedicated Eagle Scout, Darren has committed his life to public service and has been actively involved in local organizations such as Knights of Columbus, Cub Scouts, CYO Basketball, and the Youth Lacrosse Club. In 2025, Darren was sworn in as Council President. In this role, he chairs the Shared Services/Recreation and Public Works Committees and serves as a member of the Public Safety Committee. He has also acted as a liaison for town communications, Caldwell Downtown, and Caldwell University. Darren continues to serve as the liaison to the Library Board and Camp Wyanokie. Additionally, he is a member of the Oversight Committee tasked with finding a new permanent home for the borough's town hall, library, and police department. Darren lives with his wife Kristin, son Riley, daughter Lara, and beloved Golden Retriever Piper.”

Kris Brown – “Kris Brown is a current Caldwell councilman who also served previously (‘15- ’18). He grew up in West Caldwell, is a JCHS graduate (‘91), Villanova University graduate (‘95), & obtained his Masters from the University of Edinburgh in 1996. Kris has three decades of experience managing information technology functions with an emphasis on GIS. He was a member of the Environmental Commission (‘10-’18) as well as the DPW and Community Center Committee. During his current council time in office Kris has served as Council President, Chairperson for Finance, Public Safety and DPW committees. Kris has also been the liaison to the Environmental Commission for all 3 years of his term. Kris volunteered for the CWC Soccer Club for 10 years, as coach, clinic director and President as well. Kris has lived in town for over two decades with his wife Karen, son Spencer, and daughter Cassidy.”

ENDORSEMENTS

Daniolowicz and Brown have gotten endorsements from several local elected officials, including three state lawmakers from the 40th district, the borough’s mayor and two fellow council members.

Words of support have come from:

Sen. Kristin Corrado – “I am proud to work with Council President Daniolowicz and Councilman Brown to represent our mutual constituents of Caldwell. They work hard to deliver quality services to the residents of Caldwell, whether it's regularly hosting the Mobile MVC at the firehouse, or ensuring that all renters, homeowners, and seniors are entitled to the benefits they deserve - Darren and Kris are on top of it. I look forward to continuing to work with them on continuing to deliver for the Borough of Caldwell.”

Assemblyman Christopher Phillips – “Darren and Kris have my full endorsement. These Councilmen have put Caldwell on a path of fiscal responsibility, while continuing to keep public safety and reliable infrastructure as a top priority. I look forward to working with Darren and Kris for the continued success of the Borough of Caldwell.”

Assemblyman Al Barlas – “Council President Daniolowicz and Councilman Brown are critical partners. Darren and Kris are always available to their residents ensuring they provide exceptional constituent services, whether that be through town services or state resources. I am thankful for their partnership and commend the Councilmen’s steadfast advocacy on behalf of small business owners, renters, seniors, and the entire Borough of Caldwell.”

Caldwell Mayor Garrett Jones – “It has truly been my honor to work alongside Kris Brown and Darren Danolowitz for the past three years. Our journey is far from over; we are working daily on making our community safer, our facilities and services improved, and our financial future stable. Communication with our residents has never been better thanks to these gentlemen, and we are looking forward to the bright future Caldwell has in store.”

Caldwell Councilwoman Barbara Buechner – “They are go-getters… plain and simple. Darren and Kris have incredible energy and possess the unique ability to work and get along with anybody to accomplish the greater good. They are embodiments of humble servants and I look forward to continuing to work with them. They have my full support.”

Caldwell Councilwoman Dana Hunkele – “Darren and Kris have been working tirelessly since the start of their term to move us in the right direction. They are dedicated and loyal to the residents of this community. I trust their fiscal stewardship and characters implicitly. I’m excited to see what they can accomplish during their next three years.”

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