Lomax resurfaces in August 2012 to appoint John McBain, while Commissioner Devane was away in Europe, in charge of the police investigation into a terrorist act committed by Jerry Jacks, whereby he contaminated the water supply with a dangerous pathogen. Lomax subsequently pursues Anna Devane to succeed Mac, a job which she ultimately accepts despite some early reluctance. Lomax also expressed concern following the conviction and imprisonment of Mac's daughter Maxie Jones in connection with the murder of Lisa Niles, and the potential negative publicity it could bring the police department, and by extension, the mayor's office. Mayor Janice Lomax first appears in May 2012, in order to terminate Mac Scorpio from his position as police commissioner, citing the unsolved deaths of Cole Thornhart and his daughter Hope, as well as the actions of corrupt detective Ronnie Dimestico, as her main reasons why.

She made her first appearance on January 19, 2016. In December 2015, it was revealed that actress Shari Belafonte is going to replace Saidah Arrika Ekulona as Mayor Janice Lomax. She made brief guest appearances in May 2012, August 2012, March 2013, January 2015, May/June 2015, and most recently in August 2015. She was portrayed by actress Saidah Arrika Ekulona since May 23, 2012.