Council in Bergen, New Jersey

2026 Primary Election

• Sandra Balistrieri — Incumbent Councilwoman in Elmwood Park, NJ

  Sandra Balistrieri is an incumbent Councilwoman and a prominent figure in Bergen County, New Jersey, Democratic politics. She currently serves as the Municipal Chair for Elmwood Park, demonstrating her deep involvement in local governance and party leadership within her community and the broader county. Balistrieri's activities are centered on advocating for her constituents and supporting fellow Democratic officials. She is seeking election for Council in the 2026 primary election.

• Karen Pena — Accountant, Owner of Pena Tax Services, and Incumbent Elmwood Park Board of Education trustee in Elmwood Park, NJ

  Karen Pena is a dedicated community leader and professional based in Elmwood Park, New Jersey. She holds an MBA and is professionally an accountant, notary public, property manager, and owner of Pena Tax Services. Pena is also the founder of the nonprofit organization Our Way to HOPE. She currently serves as an Elmwood Park Board of Education trustee and is an elected member of the Bergen County School Boards Association Executive Committee. Active in local affairs, she engages with various community initiatives, including those supporting veterans, domestic violence survivors, and women's leadership. Karen Pena is a bilingual speaker of English and Spanish, and is running as a Democrat for the Board of County Commissioners in the 2026 primary election.

• Lorraine Pellegrine — Incumbent Council President in Elmwood Park, NJ

  Lorraine Pellegrine is an experienced Councilwoman in Elmwood Park, New Jersey, currently serving as Council President, with her term expiring at the end of 2026. A Republican, she has dedicated multiple terms to the borough council, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to her community. Pellegrine chairs the Personnel and Police Departments committees and serves as a liaison to the Board of Health, Chamber of Commerce, and the Residents Assistance Program (RAP), which she founded in 2018. Through RAP, she has provided essential services and support to hundreds of local families, highlighting her dedication to the well-being of Elmwood Park residents.

• Pamela Troisi — Incumbent Councilwoman in Elmwood Park, NJ

  Pamela Troisi serves as a Councilwoman for the Borough of Elmwood Park, New Jersey, with her current term expiring at the end of 2026. A Republican, she chairs the Finance Committee and acts as a liaison to the Board of Education, Cannabis Board, EPIC, and the Recreation Advisory Board. Beyond her municipal role, Troisi is the President of the Elmwood Park Girls Softball League, a Recreation Commissioner, and a Safe Sleep Ambassador. Her professional background includes extensive experience in various sales, marketing, and customer service management roles at FUJIFILM and FUJI Hunt Photographic Chemicals. She holds an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree in Criminal Justice/Sociology from William Paterson University.