Politics & Government
Krakoviak Enters Competitive West Orange Mayor Race: 2026 Election
West Orange's mayor race officially has another candidate, and he's a familiar face on the town council.
WEST ORANGE, NJ — West Orange’s increasingly competitive mayor race officially has another candidate, and he’s a familiar face on the town council.
Joe Krakoviak recently announced that he is running for mayor in the town’s 2026 municipal election this November. Learn more about his background and platform here.
Krakoviak has served on the West Orange Town Council for 12 years. He is a former financial journalist and municipal bond executive who currently works as a business communications consultant.
Find out what's happening in West Orangefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Krakoviak’s campaign platform includes “cutting wasteful spending, minimizing tax increases, reducing debt, increasing transparency, building revenue and holding government accountable.”
“I want to leverage my more than a decade of experience, knowledge and leadership in township government to tackle our significant challenges and implement solutions so that West Orange can again provide the affordable, transparent, accountable, responsive and responsible government that we all deserve,” Krakoviak said in a campaign launch announcement.
Find out what's happening in West Orangefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“West Orange offers a great deal: diversity by all measures, location, open space, shopping and restaurants, community events, and housing options,” he continued. “But just as we run our household finances as the foundation for living well, the township must get back on track financially to realize our full potential so that all residents – families, seniors and singles – can thrive. Tax dollars must obtain more efficiency and value. And together, we can do more to turn our town around.”
Krakoviak previously ran for mayor in the 2022 election. Other candidates who have thrown their hats into the ring for the West Orange mayor race include Brian Rock, Tammy Williams, Phil Orphanidis and Joyce Rudin.
Are you a local candidate seeking office in West Orange? Send campaign news releases and updates to eric.kiefer@patch.com
Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
