Lawrence Council Elects First African American Latina Mayor

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – On Jan. 1, Lawrence Township created history. Council elected the Township’s first African American and Latina Mayor in Patricia Hendricks Farmer.

Farmer along with Olympia I’Liou Perry were elected to Council for the first time in November. John Ryan won his reelection bid and served as Mayor in 2022 and 2023.

All three took their oaths of office during the reorganization meeting held on Jan. 1.

State Sen. Shirley Turner administered the oath of office to Farmer and Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds Jackson administered the oath of office to Perry and Ryan was sworn in by Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli.

After the new and reelected members took their seats, nominations were taken for Mayor.

Councilman James Kownacki nominated Christopher Bobbitt for Mayor, and Ryan nominated Farmer.

Framer was elected Mayor 3-2, with Kownacki and Bobbitt voting ‘no’. Before running for Council, Farmer served on the Lawrence Township Board of Education.

“I stand here today as mayor of this great town full of residents that care about democracy, who share more in common with strength in our diverse voices and experiences,” Farmer said.

"We have been elected by the people to govern and represent those voices. We are one Lawrence united by 22 miles that smile in Central New Jersey.”

Farmer said her focus would be on providing local businesses with the opportunity to grow as she continues to fight for education while encouraging the arts.

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