Wayne Mayor Challenged By School Board President In 2025 Election

WAYNE, NJ — Election Day will be an important one in Wayne Township this coming November, as voters cast their ballots for mayor and several council seats.

Both the Wayne Regular Republican Organization and the Wayne Democratic Club have announced candidates, and four-term Republican Mayor Chris Vergano will face a challenge from Democrat Donald Pavlak, the current School Board president.

On that Republican ticket, Vergano is running with Council President Jason DeStefano, Donnie DeDio, and Frank Pietropaolo under the slogan "For a Better Wayne."

"Our team will continue to be the township's financial stewards and work diligently to maintain the great services offered by Town Hall," Vergano said in a statement. "As Mayor, my continued goal is to stabilize the tax rate and provide for a safe, clean, and respected community where people want to live, work, and raise a family."

DeStefano is on the Foundabilities Board of Directors, and the Vice President of Wayne UNICO. He also coaches his three sons at the Wayne Police Athletic League, Wayne Little League, and the Wayne Boys and Girls Club.

Republican Council members David Varano and Jill Sasso will not be running for re-election. DeDio and Pietropaolo, who will vie to take their seats, are also both active coaching local sports teams.

DeDio is on the township zoning board and is the chairman of the Passaic County Young Republicans, while Pietropaolo is vice chair of the zoning board and was the Republican candidate for Commissioner (formerly freeholder) in 2018.

The Democrats are backing Pavlak, 5th Ward Councilwoman Francine Ritter, Dylan Orren-King, and Dr. Corey McKinney as the "Working for Wayne" slate.

"Wayne has been my lifelong home, and I’m committed to its future," said Pavlak, a former police officer who has been on the school board for 20 years. "As Mayor, I will prioritize fiscal responsibility, public safety, education, and quality-of-life improvements while keeping taxes stable."

Ritter, the lone Democrat on council, will seek a council-at-large seat. She is a trustee and past president of Brittany Chase Condominium Association, Inc.

Orren-King, a Wayne native, is currently studying political science at Montclair State University and has volunteered with a number of township organizations. McKinney is a retired educator and administrator who has worked at Passaic Tech and Passaic City Schools.

Election Day will be Nov. 4 this year.