Murphy backs Benson

Gov. Phil Murphy has endorsed Dan Benson for Mercer County Executive.

The endorsement comes five days after five-term incumbent Brian Hughes dropped his re-election bid after winning just 22% of the vote at the Mercer County Democratic convention n March 5.

“From his time on the Hamilton Township Council to his service on the Mercer County Board of Commissioners to his years as an assemblyman, Dan Benson has earned a well-deserved reputation as a dedicated and effective public servant,” Murphy said.

The endorsement comes as no surprise.  Benson has been a Murphy ally in the legislature, and the governor told Hughes in a call last week that he was preparing to endorse the other candidate regardless of whether he stayed in the race.

“Now, Dan is running for County Executive to build a government that embraces collaboration, efficiency, innovation, and accountability. From investing in the Mercer County Technical Schools and Mercer County Community College to improving our roads, water quality, and education system, he will bring a fresh perspective to the role and ensure taxpayers’ dollars are spent wisely,” stated Murphy.

With Hughes retiring, Benson is effectively the county executive-elect.  Republicans have not won a countywide election in Mercer County in 23 years, and their only potentially viable candidate, former State Treasurer Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff, decided not to run.

Benson has also picked up the backing of high-profile former Hughes supporters, including Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing), Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D-Trenton), and Assemblymen Wayne DeAngelo (D-Hamilton).