Ray Coles will once again be voted in as the mayor of Lakewood for the 2026 year, and Menashe Miller as Deputy Mayor, TLS has exclusively learned.
The final decision was only made moments ago following a polling between Township officials.
This will be the tenth consecutive term for Ray Coles in the position of Mayor, and the 14th overall.
Ray Coles, a Democrat, joined the Township Committee in 2001, and in 2002 was voted in as Mayor. Prior to his current 10-year streak, Coles also served as Mayor in 2004, 2007, and 2008.
“I’m extremely honored to be able to serve as mayor of this great town for 2026,” Coles told TLS exclusively. “We’ve come along way, but there’s still an awful lot that we need to accomplish. We have an amazing team on the Township Committee, as well as all the professionals in town hall, and I really look forward to a meaningful and productive year for all the residents of Lakewood.”
The actual vote for the Mayorship, Deputy Mayor will take place during the Reorganization Meeting.
The five-body Committee is currently comprised of two democrats – Coles and Lichtenstein, and three Republicans – Miller, Akerman and Fuentes.
The Lakewood Township will once again be holding its reorganization virtually.
BH exclusive
With all of the problems we have in Lakewood, we can’t blame the team of Coles and Miller. They have done a great job all these years taking care of us.
When are they starting in person meetings
never
why should they? many people work remote.
Merry go round.
Can we get some new faces?
Try running.
The reality is that they do a great job.
Shocker
this is breaking and awesome news. I say Coles for a lifetime. I love him and plus he deflects the unwarranted hate from akum.
I love the Coles / Miller team. They work tirelessly for the good of the Town and its citizens, and don’t seek recognition for it. Thank you for your service!