Paterson Mayor André Sayegh Endorses John Balwierczak for Mayor of North Arlington
Sayegh joins growing list of supporters backing Balwierczak and his council running mates Dennis Papile and Cengiz “Jim” Sever
NORTH ARLINGTON, N.J. — October 25, 2026 — Paterson Mayor André Sayegh has endorsed John Balwierczak for Mayor of North Arlington, adding the support of one of New Jersey’s most popular mayors to Balwierczak’s campaign.
Balwierczak, 37, is a lifelong North Arlington resident and homeowner, is challenging incumbent Mayor Daniel H. Pronti in the November 3 municipal election. His campaign has focused on property-tax affordability, ending massive overdevelopment, retaining neighborhood character, and greater accountability in local government.
“We have received significant support from area elected officials in this race to bring responsible two-party government back to North Arlington. I want to thank Mayor Sayegh for his confidence and support in a race to retain our character as remaining small, safe and suburban.” said Balwierczak.
Sayegh’s endorsement brings the perspective of a mayor who has led Paterson since 2018 and has experience in municipal government and public administration.
ABOUT MAYOR ANDRÉ SAYEGH
André Sayegh is serving his third consecutive term as Mayor of Paterson, having won reelection in May 2026. Before becoming mayor, he served on the Paterson City Council from 2008 to 2018 and on the Paterson Board of Education. He also served as chief of staff to New Jersey State Senator John A. Girgenti and as a field representative for the late US Congressman Bill Pascrell.
Sayegh graduated with honors from Seton Hall University with a bachelor’s degree in history and earned a master’s degree in public policy and administration from Columbia University. He has also taught at Passaic County Community College. His administration has emphasized public safety, responsible economic development, infrastructure, and an improved neighborhood quality of life.
BALWIERCZAK: A LIFELONG NORTH ARLINGTON RESIDENT
Balwierczak, 37, graduated from North Arlington High School in 2007, where he played varsity basketball. A lifelong resident and homeowner, Balwierczak has made affordability and preserving North Arlington’s small-town character central themes of his campaign. He has called for an end to the borough’s current approach to unfair property reassessments and has raised concerns about massive overdevelopment, municipal spending, and public safety in wake of the double homicide on Ridge Road last summer and the federal raid of a Belleville Pike business mixed up in drugs that abruptly closed.
Balwierczak is running with Borough Council candidates Dennis Papile and Cengiz “Jim” Sever. Papile is a former business owner who has worked as a county employee and a North Arlington school crossing guard. Sever is a journeyman tile installer and union member with BAC Local #7. All three have been endorsed by the Bergen County Central Trades & Labor Council representing thousands of working families, including retired union members.
Balwierczak has pledged to reduce his mayoral salary by half if elected, with the remainder dedicated to a scholarship for graduating North Arlington High School seniors, subject to the necessary arrangements.
The campaign has emphasized the need for broader representation and restoring responsible two-party government. No Democrat has served on the Mayor & Council since 2019.
ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN
John Balwierczak is the Democratic candidate for Mayor of North Arlington, running alongside Dennis Papile and Cengiz “Jim” Sever for Borough Council.