Voter guide · Nov 3, 2026

Princeton Council Election 2026

2 of 6

council seats up

Vote for up to 2

3 candidates

Updated Oct 4, 2026. Every claim links to its source. How we check →

The candidates

Listed alphabetically by last name. Every position links to its source.

City Council · Vote for up to 2

David CohenIncumbentArchitect and Princeton Council member who chairs the council's Code Review Committee. He is seeking a fourth term and also serves on the Planning Board.5sourced
Antonio MerolliRetired orthopedic surgeon and the Republican nominee for Princeton Council.3sourced
Marina RubinaArchitect and co-owner of the Tigerlabs coworking space. She is a first-time candidate for Council.3sourced

Three candidates are running for two open seats on Princeton Council.

2 notes on these statements

Jon Durbin and Leanna Jahnke lost the June 2 Democratic primary to Marina Rubina and David Cohen. Town Topics, Rubina and Cohen Win Democratic Primary · Jun 3, 2026

Antonio Merolli declined The Daily Princetonian's request for an interview. The Daily Princetonian, Princeton Council candidates discuss platforms, U. relations

Already on the council, not on the ballot

Whoever you elect will govern alongside these members.

Mark FredaMayor; term ends December 31, 2028bio only Michelle Pirone LambrosCouncil President; term ends January 1, 20293sourced Brian McDonaldCouncilman; term ends January 1, 20283sourced Leighton NewlinCouncilman; term ends January 1, 20283sourced Mia SacksCouncilwoman; term ends January 1, 20293sourced

Start here

Match quiz6 questions · answers stay on your phone Seat the CouncilPick winners, see the council What council decidesZoning code overhaul, Affordable housing zones, Budget and taxes Key datesDeadlines and vote centers

Next date

Voter registration deadline

Tue, Oct 13, 2026

All key dates

What the next council decides

Zoning code overhaul

Where it standsA consultant has reported on the existing codes and the town is collecting public comment before drafting a unified code.

What's on the tableWhat a single zoning code for the former borough and township will allow.

Planning staff and the consultant asked for public reaction to the Zoning Code Diagnostic by December 1, after which Phase II, drafting the code, can begin. Town Topics, Council Hears Progress Reports on Zoning and Relocating Public Works · Sep 30, 2026
The Sept. 28 agenda listed a vote on awarding Camiros a contract of up to $188,900 for Phase II of the Unified Zoning Code Update. Patch, Princeton Council To Discuss Zoning Update, Immigration Policy Monday

Affordable housing zones

Where it standsThe Council has been creating affordable-housing districts to carry out the town's Fourth Round plan.

What's on the tableWhere additional affordable and mixed-income housing is allowed under the Fourth Round plan.

The AH-10 ordinance allows a mixed-use inclusionary building at 245-247 Nassau Street, as detailed in the Fourth Round Housing Plan Element and Fair Share Plan. Mayor and Council minutes, Feb. 23, 2026 · Feb 23, 2026
The John Street and Harrison Street public works sites have been listed as Round Four affordable housing developments. Town Topics, Council Hears Progress Reports on Zoning and Relocating Public Works · Sep 30, 2026

Budget and taxes

Where it standsThe Council adopted an $84.8 million 2026 budget that raises the average property tax bill.

What's on the tableHow to pay for rising health insurance costs, debt on the Westminster campus and other expenses in the next budget.

The 2026 budget is up 6.85 percent over the prior year, driven largely by a 36.5 percent rise in employee health insurance costs. Patch, Princeton Adopts 2026 Budget · Apr 28, 2026
The budget includes $1.85 million in added debt service on the Westminster Choir College property. Patch, Princeton Adopts 2026 Budget · Apr 28, 2026

Stormwater utility

Where it standsThe Council has paid for feasibility study work on a stormwater utility.

What's on the tableWhether Princeton creates a stormwater utility.

In January 2026 the Council approved a contract of up to $256,100 with Princeton Hydro for Phase III of a stormwater utility feasibility study. Mayor and Council minutes, Jan. 27, 2026 · Jan 27, 2026

Local transit

Where it standsThe free local bus service now runs as the Princeton Loop, with a new express line.

What's on the tableWhether and how to change the municipal bus service.

The municipality rebranded its free bus service as the Princeton Loop and opened a new express line between the Dinky station and the Princeton Shopping Center. The Daily Princetonian, Princeton Council candidates discuss platforms, U. relations

Who matches you?

Answer any of these questions. We compare your answers with each person's sourced record, and nothing is stored. Questions where no one has a sourced record yet are left out. Tap a selected answer again to skip it.

1. Should the new zoning code allow duplexes and triplexes in more places?
2. Should the Council create more affordable-housing zones to carry out the Fourth Round plan?
3. Should Princeton set up a stormwater utility?
4. What should happen to the municipal shuttle service?
5. Should Princeton borrow through bonds for large projects?
6. What should happen to police funding?

Seat the Council →

Pick a winner for each open seat and see where the resulting council stands on each issue.

Key dates

Voter registration deadlineTAPinto Princeton, Princeton Has a Race for Council! · Oct 4, 2026Oct 13, 2026
Election DayThe Daily Princetonian, Rubina and Cohen win council primary · Jun 3, 2026Nov 3, 2026

The seat math

5 stay (not up this year): Mark Freda, Michelle Pirone Lambros, Brian McDonald, Leighton Newlin, Mia Sacks2 on this ballot

6 council seats plus a mayor who doesn't vote on council items. The council decides by a 4-vote majority.

The Mayor is elected at-large to a four-year term and presides over the Council. Municipality of Princeton, Mark Freda, Mayor
The Mayor votes only to break ties. Municipality of Princeton, Mark Freda, Mayor
Council members serve three-year terms. Princeton Packet/Princeton Echo, Three up for election to two Princeton Council seats · Sep 30, 2026
Councilwoman Leticia Fraga is not seeking another term. Princeton Packet/Princeton Echo, Three up for election to two Princeton Council seats · Sep 30, 2026

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