A dedicated public servant, a truly decent man who loved governing, and a kind and generous soul who made others feel seen, heard and valued.
That’s how former Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes, who died on June 10, was described by those who knew him politically and personally.
Hughes lived in Princeton and was 68 years old.
“I knew Brian for a long time,” said Princeton Mayor Mark Freda, a Democrat. “Our sons played in Princeton Little League (baseball) at the same time for a while. He was a nice guy and someone I always enjoyed seeing and talking to.”
“Brian did a lot for Mercer County and for Princeton while he was Mercer County Executive. We should all be grateful for his efforts to help so many people.”
Hughes, who was the son of the late Gov. Richard J. Hughes, followed in his father’s footsteps and entered politics. The elder Hughes was also the Chief Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court.
Hughes was elected to the Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders – now known as the Mercer County Commission – in 1997. He served two terms.
In 2003, Hughes was elected to become the Mercer County Executive. He was the first Democrat to hold the office in 24 years. He served five terms.
Hughes sought Mercer County Democrats’ support for a sixth term, but lost at the Mercer County Democratic convention in March 2023. State Assemblyman Dan Benson won the convention’s endorsement and went on to win election to the top administrative office in the November 2023 general election.
Benson, a former Mercer County Commissioner and who is in his first term as Mercer County Executive, said Hughes was a devoted public servant and a truly decent man.
“During my years as a county commissioner and later as a state assemblyman, I had the opportunity to work with Brian for the betterment of Mercer County,” Benson said.
Hughes showed his passion for Mercer County – from its parks to its airport and to services for its most vulnerable populations, Benson said. He protected more than 5,000 acres of open space, launched the terminal replacement project at the Trenton-Mercer Airport, oversaw construction of the new Mercer County Courthouse and introduced programs to support prisoner re-entry, Benson noted.
U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, a Democrat representing the 12th Congressional District, agreed with Benson that Hughes believed deeply in public service and helping those in need – just as his father did.
“Our families have known each other since our fathers worked together decades ago,” Watson Coleman said. “Brian always fought for the less fortunate and was a forward-looking leader in Mercer County.”
Watson Coleman’s father was the late John S. Watson, who was a Mercer County freeholder. He later served in the state assembly. He was a Democrat.
State Sen. Shirley K. Turner called Hughes a man of deep compassion and quiet strength. He had an unwavering commitment to Mercer County and its residents.
“From expanding county services to advocating for underserved communities, Brian worked every day to improve lives and build bridges across our diverse region,” said Turner, a Democrat, who represents Mercer and Hunterdon counties.
In a joint statement, State Sen. Linda R. Greenstein and Assembly members Wayne P. DeAngelo and Tennille R. McCoy said Hughes continued his father’s legacy while forging his own path. The three Democrats represent Mercer and Middlesex counties.
The younger Hughes’ path was defined by empathy, inclusiveness and dedication, they said. He was a skilled administrator who made people feel seen, heard and valued.
Julie Willmot, who served as Hughes’ communications director for 18 of his 20 years in office, described Hughes as brilliant, self-deprecating and deeply human.
Hughes was a proud Democrat who believed fiercely in second chances, often giving people more than a second chance – even when it cost him politically or personally, Willmot said.
“Brian loved governing,” she said. “He wanted to fix problems, to care for people who needed a hand and to create opportunities for those who just needed a foot in the door.”
