Bayonne City Council 1st Ward in Bayonne, New Jersey

2026 Primary Election

• Gene Perry — Community Volunteer in Bayonne, New Jersey

  Gene Perry is a lifelong resident of Bayonne with over 61 years of experience in the city. He graduated from Centenary University with a degree in business administration and a minor in finance, and has worked in the cargo transportation industry for over 34 years. Perry has a long history of community involvement, having volunteered with the Bayonne Police Athletic League, Bayonne Wrestling Association, and Bayonne Little League for more than 25 years. He previously ran for the Bayonne Board of Education in 2017.

• Neil J. Carroll — Incumbent City Councilman 1st Ward in Bayonne, New Jersey

  Neil J. Carroll III is the incumbent 1st Ward Council Member in Bayonne. He was appointed to the council in November 2018, becoming the youngest councilman in the city's history at 27 years old. He subsequently won a special election in November 2019 to retain the seat. Carroll was born and raised in Bayonne and is dedicated to education, holding a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and pursuing a Doctorate. His grandfather, Neil Carroll, Sr., was a former Freeholder, and his uncle is former Mayor Mark Smith.

• Jim Pearl — High School Coach in Bayonne, New Jersey

  Jim Pearl is a basketball, baseball, and football coach at Hudson Catholic High School. He is running as an independent candidate for the 1st Ward City Council seat.

• Dawn Lavelle — Paralegal in Bayonne, New Jersey

  Dawn Lavelle is a paralegal who is running for the 1st Ward City Council seat.