Belmar Mayor · Nov 3, 2026
Caitlin
Donovan
Caitlin Donovan, the incumbent, is running for mayor of Belmar in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Michael DeBlasio.
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The race · Mayor
- 01Michael DeBlasio
- 02Caitlin DonovanYou’re reading
Background
- About
- Mayor of Belmar since July 6, 2026, after a term on the Borough Council. As a patient advocate, she has spent her career helping patients find resources and assistance.
- On the ballot as
- Democratic
- Party
- Endorsed by the Belmar Democrats. Belmar Democrats · Feb 17, 2026City issues often split differently from national party lines. Compare their positions.
- Endorsed by
- Endorsed by the Belmar Democrats. Belmar Democrats · Feb 17, 2026
- Campaign website
- www.belmardemocrats.org/2026-campaign.html
The council appointed Caitlin Donovan mayor on July 6, 2026, after Mayor Gerald Buccafusco resigned; the vote was 4-0. Belmar Mayor & Council minutes, July 6, 2026 (special meeting) · Jul 6, 2026
Michael DeBlasio, Caitlin Donovan, Suzanne Anan and Johanna Roper-Robinson took part in an Oct. 7 debate hosted by the Belmar Republican Committee and Belmar Forward. Star News Group · Oct 15, 2026
On the record: Caitlin Donovan
8 sourced01Development1 sourced position
At the Oct. 7 debate, said she asked the borough's new development attorneys to review the planning process to make it more transparent and accountable.
I have asked our new development attorneys to take a look at our entire (planning) process and figure out how to make it more transparent and accountable to the public”
Forum answerStar News Group · Oct 15, 2026Link
02Affordable housing zoning1 sourced position
Voted yes to adopt Ordinance 2026-04, the Mixed Use Overlay Zone 2 zoning ordinance (passed 3-1, March 2026).
Council voteBelmar Mayor & Council minutes, March 10, 2026 · Mar 10, 2026LinkHow the council voted
03Water and sewer rates1 sourced position
Voted yes to adopt Ordinance 2026-07, raising water/sewer rates, as amended to remove a yearly 2.5% automatic increase (passed 5-0, April 2026).
Council voteBelmar Mayor & Council minutes, April 28, 2026 · Apr 28, 2026Link
04Municipal budget1 sourced position
Voted yes to adopt the 2026 municipal budget as amended (passed 5-0, May 2026).
Council voteBelmar Mayor & Council minutes, May 12, 2026 · May 12, 2026LinkHow the council voted
05Water service lines1 sourced position
Voted no on introducing Ordinance 2026-12, which would have had the borough take back responsibility for water service lines (failed 2-3, June 2026).
Council voteBelmar Mayor & Council minutes, June 9, 2026 · Jun 9, 2026LinkHow the council voted
06Construction hours1 sourced position
Voted yes to adopt Ordinance 2026-19, setting times for construction in the borough (passed 4-0, August 2026).
Council voteBelmar Mayor & Council minutes, Aug. 25, 2026 · Aug 25, 2026LinkHow the council voted
07Borough professionals1 sourced position
Voted yes to award the redevelopment attorney legal services contract (Resolution 2026-185, passed 4-1, September 2026).
Council voteBelmar Mayor & Council minutes, Sept. 8, 2026 · Sep 8, 2026LinkHow the council voted
08Priorities1 sourced position
Her official biography says her focus as mayor is on fiscal responsibility, long-term planning and transparency.
Own statementBorough of BelmarLink
Every claim links to its source and was checked against it before publishing. How this guide works
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