Mayor of Princeton, New Jersey facts for kids

Princeton was first settled by Europeans in the late 1600s. For a while, Princeton was actually two separate towns: the Borough of Princeton and Princeton Township. They split up in 1894 because of a disagreement about school taxes. But on January 1, 2013, these two towns decided to join back together and become one big Princeton again! Now, it's run as a borough government.

What Does a Mayor Do?

A mayor is like the main leader of a city or town. They are usually elected by the people who live there. The mayor helps make important decisions about how the town is run, like managing public services, working with the town council, and representing the community. They help make sure the town is a good place to live for everyone.

Princeton's Mayors Through History

Princeton has had many mayors over the years, guiding the town through different times.

Early Mayors of Princeton (1813–1893)

The very first mayor of Princeton was Samuel Bayard, who started his term in May 1813. For many years, different people served as mayor, helping to shape the town as it grew. Some mayors served for a few years, while others had shorter terms due to resignations or other reasons. This period saw many leaders, like John Lowrey, Col. Alexander McWhorter Cumming, and Richard Stockton Cumming, who each took turns leading Princeton before it split into two separate parts.

Mayors of Princeton Since 2013

After the Borough and Township of Princeton reunited in 2013, the town once again had a single mayor.

• 2013-01-01–2020-12-31: Liz Lempert was the first mayor of the reunited Princeton.
• 2021-01-01–present: Mark Freda is the current mayor of Princeton.

Princeton Borough's Mayors (1893–2013)

When Princeton split into two parts, the Borough of Princeton had its own mayors. Many people served in this role, helping to manage the borough's affairs for over a hundred years. Some notable mayors included James L. Briner, who was the first mayor of the Borough, and Marvin R. Reed, who served for many years. Barbara Boggs Sigmund was also a significant mayor during this period.

Princeton Township's Mayors (1893–2013)

At the same time, Princeton Township also had its own mayors. These leaders worked to guide the township's development and services. Some of the mayors who served the Township included Moses Taylor Pyne, B. Franklin Bunn, and Phyllis L. Marchand, who served for several terms. The last mayor of Princeton Township before the consolidation was Chad Goerner.