Brian Hughes Announces Retirement, Backs Benson For Mercer Co. Executive

MERCER COUNTY, NJ —Days after losing the Mercer County Democratic line and promising to continue his primary election run, Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes announced his retirement.

The announcement came Wednesday evening, with Hughes saying he will not seek another term as County executive. Hughes said he did not make the decision lightly, especially after more than 20 years in public office.

“I’ve said throughout this campaign that I’ve never run against a fellow Democrat, and despite the fact that I’m being challenged in this race, it has become clear that the best path forward for Mercer Democrats is for me to step aside,” Hughes said.

On Feb. 5, around 500 voting delegates from Mercer County, including others, cast their ballots. Assemblyman Dan Benson won with a staggering 77 percent vote over incumbent Hughes. More: Benson Wins Mercer Co. Democratic Line Over 5-Time Incumbent

In his statement on Wednesday, Hughes said he was backing Benson in the upcoming election.

“At a time when extremist MAGA Republicans threaten our democracy and our most sacred constitutional principles, the stakes of this race could not be higher. To ensure our record of success continues in Mercer County, it’s time to unify for the good of the party. I believe Dan Benson has demonstrated his commitment to this county and our party, and he has my support in his campaign for County Executive,” Hughes said.

Reflecting on his time in office, the five-time incumbent said that 20 years ago, he took on the “Republican machine” in Mercer and won.

“I’m deeply proud of the fact that since I took office, Republicans have not won a single countywide race. We pushed back Republican rule and turned Mercer into a model for progressive leadership for the entire state,” Hughes said.

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