Linda Karlovitch is a Democratic-affiliated municipal official and small business owner who has served as Mayor of Kenilworth, a borough of approximately 8,300 residents in Union County, New Jersey, since 2020. She is a lifelong resident of the borough and has been active in civic volunteer work for many years.

Karlovitch entered elected politics through the Kenilworth Borough Council, where she served for two years prior to her mayoral campaign. In 2019, with incumbent Mayor Anthony DeLuca choosing not to seek re-election, Karlovitch ran for the open mayoral seat. The initial election results were close enough to trigger an automatic recount. On December 18, 2019, Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado confirmed based on the recount that Karlovitch was the mayor-elect. She was sworn into office on January 1, 2020, becoming the second female mayor in Kenilworth history following Kathi Fiamingo (2008–2014).

As mayor, Karlovitch has focused on community infrastructure, public safety, and quality-of-life improvements. Her administration has prioritized park renovations, security enhancements, and municipal service delivery improvements. In 2025, she outlined an ambitious plan including installation of a pavilion and walking path at DiMario Park, updated security cameras at multiple borough parks, safety netting around ballfields, and continued expansion of the borough sidewalk program. She also oversaw the relocation of the Construction Department to improved facilities at 575 Boulevard, allowing the Board of Health to expand its services.

Karlovitch describes herself as a small business owner and civic volunteer. She has initiated numerous community events promoting Kenilworth and has navigated the borough through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent recovery period.

Kenilworth operates under the borough form of New Jersey municipal government, with a "weak mayor / strong council" structure in which the mayor presides at meetings and votes only in the event of a tie. The mayor can veto ordinances subject to override by a two-thirds majority vote of the six-member council.

Political Career

• Mayor, Borough of Kenilworth (2020–present); elected 2019; current term ends December 31, 2027; re-elected 2023

• Kenilworth Borough Council (2017–2019); served two years prior to mayoral election

Key Policy Areas

• Community infrastructure and park improvements

• Public safety and security enhancements

• Municipal service delivery and operational efficiency

• Small business support and economic development

• Community events and civic engagement

Notable Actions / Initiatives

• Elected second female mayor in Kenilworth history (2020)

• Survived automatic recount to secure mayoral victory (December 2019)

• Initiated park improvement program including DiMario Park pavilion and walking path (2025)

• Implemented security camera upgrades at multiple borough parks (2025)

• Oversaw Construction Department relocation to improve service delivery (2025)

• Expanded borough sidewalk program for pedestrian accessibility

Education

• Not publicly available

Personal

• Birth date: Not publicly available

• Residence: Kenilworth, New Jersey (lifelong resident)

• Profession: Small business owner; civic volunteer

• Family: Initiated community events promoting family engagement in Kenilworth