New Independent Candidate Throws Hat In The Ring For Wayne Mayor

WAYNE, NJ — A newcomer has announced her independent campaign to challenge the two nominees for Wayne Township mayor, Catherine Kazan.

Kazan, a recently retired Wayne Board of Education Trustee and former President, is vying for the mayor’s seat along with Wayne’s incumbent republican mayor Christopher Vergano, and the newly elected democratic nominee and current BOE President Don Pavlak.

The two recently clinched their spots on the general election ticket during the 2025 primaries.

"After years of working on behalf of Wayne’s students and families, I believe it’s time for real change in how our local government operates," said Kazan in a statement. "Residents deserve leadership that answers to the community, not to a political party."

Joining Kazan’s campaign are three running mates, who are also unaffiliated with a political party, seeking spots on Wayne’s council-at-large.

Joining Kazan are Joyce Duncan, Katherine McEwan, and Suzanne Pudup, each of whom “brings a strong record of civic engagement and local involvement,” according to a campaign statement.

The three newcomers will face off against republicans Jason DeStefano, Donald DeDio Jr., and Frank Pietropaolo, and democrats Francine Ritter, Dylan Orren King, and Corey Tyrone McKinney. All nine candidates are vying for three available seats on Wayne’s council-at-large.

Duncan is a 26-year Wayne resident who has been active in the community, volunteering with Booster Clubs and serving as Wayne’s PTO President.

McEwan has lived in Wayne since 2008 and runs a family-operated local business. According to a campaign statement, McEwan is committed to “land use and planning, environmental stewardship, and ensuring transparent, accountable leadership.”

Pudup is a retired teacher who once served as President of the Wayne Board of Education. She also does volunteer work alongside her husband, working as a longtime member of the volunteer First Aid Squad, according to the campaign.

“The team is united by a shared mission: to prioritize local issues, encourage civic participation, and end the grip of partisan politics in Wayne’s municipal government,” the campaign statement read.

Kazan’s team is running under the slogan: “People Over Party.”

Wayne voters have a lot to consider pending the general election, which is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 4.