Princeton stuck to its Democratic roots this election season, even while New Jersey showed signs of leaning more Republican.
Local elections were mostly smooth, with Democrats dominating and continuing their stronghold in town.
But even here, the numbers showed some interesting trends that might hint at changes coming down the line.
Let’s start with the mayor and council races.
These weren’t exactly suspenseful since all the candidates ran unopposed.
Mayor Mark Freda was re-elected, and he’s all set to keep working on some of Princeton’s big issues, especially affordable housing.
It’s been a hot topic for years, and Freda wants to ensure the town finds ways to support people needing better housing options.
He’s also a big believer in teamwork and says he’s ready to work closely with other elected officials to advance the town’s priorities.
On the council, Leighton Newlin won another term and plans to double down on affordable housing, which he calls his top priority.
Newlin has been a strong voice for the community, and he’s ready to keep pushing for solutions.
And Brian McDonald joins him on the council.
Sure, he’s a new face, but he’s undoubtedly someone who understands what Princeton needs.
He’s focused on keeping the town sustainable as it grows, supporting its most vulnerable residents, and delivering services while being mindful of taxes.
And it makes sense for a town like Princeton to take this thoughtful and balanced approach.
That said, the Board of Education race brought a little more excitement.
Six candidates were battling for three seats, which came down to tight numbers.
In the end, Mara Franceschi held onto her spot.
She’s a familiar name in Princeton schools, and her years of volunteering and background in finance help her make smart decisions for the district.
Joining her are Chris Santarpio and Ari Meisel, two newcomers with plenty of energy and fresh ideas.
Santarpio is active in his child’s school PTO and brings experience in finance and operations, while Meisel is a parent of five, an EMT, and a strong advocate for fairness and equity.
They appear to be prepared to address the challenges that Princeton schools face.
Nonetheless, it has to be said that this race wasn’t without some controversy.
Some losing candidates focused their campaigns on past issues, such as debates over district leadership changes and how sex education is handled.
However, voters seemed more interested in moving forward than revisiting old problems and choosing candidates they thought could address the larger concerns.
Even though Princeton stayed solidly blue, the county and state showed some interesting shifts.
Mercer County moved 6.3 points toward the Republicans compared to the 2020 election.
Across New Jersey, the margins between Democrats and Republicans have been shrinking, and Republican voter registration has been growing faster than Democratic numbers in recent years.
While this didn’t affect Princeton’s election results this time, it’s a trend that could shape future races.
Still, local Democrats seemed energized and ready to keep pushing.
Mayor Freda praised the party’s strong effort during the campaign.
Community-focused issues like housing, sustainability, and supporting vulnerable groups are clearly resonating with voters.
The town’s leadership is set to keep addressing these priorities, and Princeton’s collaborative approach to local government seems to be working.
Looking ahead, Princeton has plenty to focus on.
Affordable housing continues to be a significant challenge, and balancing growth with the town’s unique charm remains a difficult task.
However, with experienced leaders staying on and new voices bringing fresh ideas, Princeton looks ready to keep moving forward.
While New Jersey might see some political shifts, Princeton stands out as a town that stays steady, focused, and committed to its priorities.