Running unopposed in 1878, he was elected mayor of Bayonne succeeding Henry Meigs.

Ward was re-elected in 1879 defeating Democrat councilman David W. Oliver.

While mayor, Lane oversaw a project to bring water into Bayonne.

His attempt at a third term ended when he lost to Oliver in 1883. Business problems forced him to retire from public service.

Lane died from heart failure at age 63 in his home on November 14, 1896.