By Anne Levin
The polls opened on Tuesday, May 26 for the beginning of early voting leading up to Primary Election Day on Tuesday, June 2. In Princeton, the focus is on the four Democratic candidates and one Republican vying for two available seats for three-year terms on Princeton Council.
David Cohen is the one incumbent; fellow Democrats Jon Durbin, Marina Rubina, and Leanna Jahnke; and Republican Antonio Merolli, are on the ballot for the first time.
“As the primary election nears, I want to praise my fellow candidates for the conduct of their campaigns,” wrote Cohen, an architect who has served on Council since 2018, in an email. “In a world where politics often seems toxic at the state, federal, and international levels, we in Princeton have focused relentlessly on the positive — how to make our wonderful town even better than it already is. When we do criticize, we target policy choices, not individuals. Many voices, one community! When I decided to come to Princeton, a friend asked: ‘Why would you want to move there — it’s like living in Mayberry?’ I remember thinking at the time — that sounds pretty good to me — Mayberry with a world-class University! So let me put my closing ask in those terms: if you want a councilman who will work to preserve what is best in our town while keeping it welcoming and open to all, I would love to have your vote.”
Publishing executive Durbin wrote, “Princeton faces defining challenges: rising costs, development pressures, and decisions that will shape our community for decades. This election is about more than politics, it’s about leadership, accountability, and bringing more voices into the conversation. I’m running for Council because I’ve spent two decades building consensus, solving problems, and delivering results for Princeton. From helping transform Princeton Little League into a town treasure to working within the Princeton Democratic Party to promote competitive primaries and stronger civic engagement, I’ve always believed Princeton works best when people work together to strengthen our community. Professionally, as a vice president at W.W. Norton & Company, I manage complex, multimillion-dollar projects, balancing budgets, leading teams, and planning for the long term. Those skills are essential as Princeton faces financial uncertainty and growing demands on municipal services. I’ll bring fiscal discipline, thoughtful leadership, and a commitment to celebrating Princeton’s character, supporting local businesses, and strengthening our community together. I’m asking for your vote!”
Jahnke, who is the chief executive officer of the nonprofit Princeton Nursery School, wrote, “I respectfully ask for your vote for Princeton Council. For over 17 years, I’ve worked to uplift communities — from charter schools to Princeton University to our beloved Princeton Nursery School. As the operator of a historic local small business, I understand the weight of a budget. I manage profit and loss statements knowing that behind those numbers are the real children, families, and teachers I serve. While some call me a ‘newcomer,’ I wear that title with pride. It means I bring a fresh perspective on the barriers working professionals and young families face when trying to build a life here in Princeton. As a candidate who grew up facing financial hardship, I bring the lived experiences of low- and moderate-income families and will work to ensure that these missing voices are not left out of the conversation. I am qualified, eager, and ready to serve as your next councilwoman.”
Architect Rubina wrote, “In a world that feels increasingly uncertain, many of us share a growing concern about what the future holds for our families and our community. Our task is to protect the Princeton we love while making it even stronger and more resilient for generations to come. Sustainability, fiscal responsibility, and diversity are more than just words. They are foundational to a town where we all truly belong. As a 20-year resident and small business owner, I have been working to champion these values. At this critical moment, I am choosing to step away from my architecture and planning practice in Princeton to offer my help and serve on Council. I listen to understand. As a Council member I will propose practical solutions that reflect our values and impact everyday lives.”
In The Political Flyer, Merolli’s official campaign publication, the retired orthopedic surgeon wrote last month about some of his views. “Even if the Republican party is a minority in Princeton nowadays, are the ideas that I support just appealing to this minority? Isn’t the majority of Princeton citizens suffering from the same setbacks derived from decades of unchecked failed policiies? You cannot solve a problem with the same party that created it,” he wrote, urging people to propose ideas and ask questions at antonio4princeton@gmail.com. He concluded, “Democracy is when you are free to change party.”
Democrat Cory Booker is running unopposed in the Primary for another six-year term in the U.S. Senate. On the Republican side, the candidates are Richard Tabor, Robert S. Lebovics, Alex Zdan, and Justin Murphy.
Thirteen Democrats are pursuing the seat for a two-year term in the U.S. House of Representatives being vacated by Bonnie Watson Coleman, who is retiring. On the list are Matt Adams, Sue Altman, Brad Cohen, Elijah Dixon, Adam Hamawy, Kyle Little, Adrian O. Mapp, Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, Shanel Y. Robinson, Squire Servance, Sujit Singh, Jay Vaingankar, and Sam Wang. Gregg Mele is the sole candidate on the Republican side.
Democrat John A. “Jack” Kemler is up for reelection for Mercer County sheriff; David Meiswinkle is the Republican candidate. For surrogate, incumbent Diane Gerofsky is the Democratic candidate and Priscilla DeVine is the Republican. Pursuing two spots for three-year terms on the Mercer County Board of Commissioners are Democrats Nakia White Barr, and incumbents John Cimino and Lucylle R.S. Walter; Republicans are Shaolin Brown and Donald Ober. Two Democrats, Karen Zemble and Felicia A. Spitz, are running unopposed for County Committee.
Mercer County residents can vote early through May 31 at eight locations including the Princeton Municipal Building at 400 Witherspoon Street, Mercer County Library in Lawrence Township, and Mercer County Library in West Windsor. Hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. through Saturday, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday. Drop box locations for voting by mail include the Municipal Building at 400 Witherspoon Street and the Wawa/Dinky station, 152 Alexander Street. On Election Day, polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. with voters’ polling locations indicated on the front of sample ballots that were mailed out last week.
Visit mercercounty.org/elections for further information on polling locations and voting procedures.