Hughes announces reelection bid

Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes announced he would run for a fifth term on Thursday.

“Every day is not a whole new ball game, and for me and my dedicated administration there is still so much work to be done,” Hughes said during his state of the county address. “So it is with tremendous excitement that I officially announce today my intention to seek another term as your County Executive.”

Republicans have not won a countywide contest in Mercer since 1999, and Democrats hold a sizeable lead in voter registration there.

Given that, it’s all but assured Hughes will win another term barring an unforeseen primary challenge.