Eldridge Hawkins

Orange Mayor-Elect Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. endorsed Democratic incumbent Frank Lautenberg for reelection to the United States Senate today.

Hawkins, 28, said that he empathizes with Lautenberg, 84, on the age issue – even if he’s on the opposite end of the spectrum.

"In my campaign for Mayor, opponents tried to make an issue of my age, but the voters repudiated the argument, recognizing that chronological age is not a fair way to judge a candidate,” he said. Frank Lautenberg has demonstrated the wise judgment, commitment to New Jersey and robust good health to make it clear that he will serve us well in another term in the U.S. Senate.”

Orange Mayor-elect Eldridge Hawkins, Jr., issued a statement in Mayor-elect Eldridge Hawkins, Jr.response to former Mayor Mims Hackett's pleas of guilty to a charge each in federal and state court.

"It is a sad day for Orange and my prayers go out to Former Mayor Hackett's  family," said Hawkins. "I am confident that on July 1st, Orange will get the fresh start the voters asked for when they elected me as mayor. It is time for us to look to the future for positive change as we usher Orange to its great potential."

A West Orange police officer, Hawkins defeated Councilman Donald Page and four others in May 13 elections.

Following Mims Hackett's plea of guilty to attempted extortion,Acting Mayor Lisa Perkins Council President Lisa Perkins took the reins of government in Orange today, and is now serving as the city's acting mayor.

Orange has a code provision in the event of the mayor's illness, which gives the business administrator authority to take over in the chief elected official's absence.

But in this case, state law regarding succession trumps Orange's code and grants authority to the council president to step in for a mayor who has pleaded guilty to a corruption charge.

Councilman Edward Marable, Jr. today said he would consider challenging Perkins's right to serve as mayor.

There is considerable speculation that Orange Mayor Mims Hackett will plead guilty to federal and state corruption charges on Tuesday.  U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie has scheduled a news conference for tomorrow, and Hackett is expected to appear before Federal Judge Jose Linares at 8:00 AM, and then before Superior Court Judge Betty Lester at 1:30 PM.  Under that scenario, City Council President Lisa Perkins will become Acting Mayor until July 1, when Mayor-elect Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. takes office.

ORANGE - Two days after Election Day, At Large Councilman Donald Page said he has not yet conceded victory to West Orange Patrolman Eldridge Hawkins in their Orange At-Large Councilman Donald Page on Election Daymayoral contest.

Hawkins beat Page on Tuesday night by a margin of 30-27%, but Page said he’s not so sure.

"We have some questions about what happened on Election Day," said the candidate, who huddled today with lawyers to examine the results.

"I’m not at liberty to say right now exactly how we’re going to pursue this," Page added.

Senate President (and former Governor) Richard Codey went one for two in Essex County mayoral races on Tuesday. He backed Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. in his successful bid for Mayor of Orange, but his endorsed candidate for Mayor of Montclair, Joyce Michaelson, lost.

Eldridge Hawkins, Jr., and his sister, Hillary, moments after they learned of victory. 

ORANGE - A few Orange city blocks separate the campaign headquarters of Donald Page and Eldridge Hawkins, but a wide gulf of emotion opened up after 9 p.m. when the results of the mayor’s race came down from City Hall and Hawkins won.

In a six-way race, Hawkins defeated Page by a margin of 30-27%, or 1,061 to 942 votes, to deal a heartbreaking loss to the forces of the long-serving councilman.

"We did it," said a jubilant Hawkins, surrounded by family and supporters, including state Sen. Richard Codey (D-Essex) in his campaign headquarters behind Sandwiches Unlimited on Center Street.

"He was a great candidate," said Codey, an Orange native who backed the 28-year old West Orange patrolman amid controversy about the candidate’s short-time residency in Orange.

Orange Mayor-elect Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. will replace Mims HackettORANGE -Eldridge Hawkins, Jr., a West Orange police officer, defeated At-Large Councilman Donald Page and a field of four other candidates to become the new mayor of Orange.

Hawkins earned 1,061 votes or 30% of the votes, compared to 942 or 27% for Page.

Coming in third was North Ward Councilwoman Tency Eason with 564 votes, followed by Zoning Board Chair Janice Morrell with 417 votes, activist Betty Brown with 285 votes, and Planning Board Chair Dwight Holmes, 212 votes.

Eldridge Hawkins and campaign volunteers 

ORANGE - Standing in front of the Oakwood Avenue School with his orange t-shirted supporters, Eldridge Hawkins, Jr., says he's taking nothing for granted.

"While the other candidates were driving their caravans around this weekend, six cars deep, I was out there knocking on doors," says Hawkins.

Last night, state Sen. Richard Codey (D-Essex) sent out a robocall for Hawkins.