Leighton Newlin Announces Princeton Council Reelection Bid

PRINCETON, NJ – Councilman Leighton Newlin has announced he will seek reelection to Princeton Council this November.

This will be Newlin’s second term. He was elected to Council for the first time in November 2021, running for the seat left vacant by former Councilman Dwaine Williamson who did not seek reelection.

“Over the past two years, it has been a true privilege and honor to serve the residents of Princeton. Together, we have worked towards building a world-class town that values diversity, cares for its residents, and addresses critical issues in infrastructure, housing, affordability, human/social services, transportation, public safety, and sustainability. We have also featured engagement in our downtown walkability, art, and culture,” Newlin said in a statement.

“As Liaison to the Princeton Housing Authority (PHA) I have witnessed the transformative progress by the PHA Board, and Executive Director, in reorganizing the structure, communication, and delivery of services to constituents. The formation of the PHA Tenants Council has given residents more voice and allows for greater participation. A new direction is bringing about a cultural change that enhances the lives of residents.”

Even before being elected to Council, Newlin was a well-known figure in Princeton. As a lifelong Princeton resident, he served on the Board of the Witherspoon-Jackson Historic and Cultural Society, the Paul Robeson House, and was the co-chair of the Witherspoon Jackson Neighborhood Association.

As a Councilmember he has strived hard to remain accessible to residents through ‘Leighton Listens’ - an initative where he visits various locations around town on Wednesday to listen to Princetonian’s concerns and issues.

“In the face of challenges like affordability, climate change, gentrification, and social infrastructure, Princeton stands at a crossroads. It is crucial that our leadership reflects the diversity and values of our people. As a native son of Princeton, born and raised, I offer a unique perspective on our history; past, present, and future, and consistently bring that perspective in discussions with my colleagues, department heads, and municipal staff,” Newlin said.

He reminded residents that civil rights, human services, and affordable housing remained at the core of a more inclusive Princeton.

“Let us continue to listen, question, and work together to ensure that our decisions are right for all the people and make sense for our community,” Newlin said.

He thanked his Council colleagues for helping him learn the Municipal government process, especially Councilwoman Eve Niedergang, who won't be seeking reelection this year.

Here’s Newlin’s letter to the community in full:

It is with great enthusiasm and a deep sense of commitment that I announce my candidacy for re-election as a member of Princeton Council.

Over the past two years, it has been a true privilege and honor to serve the residents of Princeton. Together, we have worked towards building a world-class town that values diversity, cares for its residents, and addresses critical issues in infrastructure, housing, affordability, human/social services, transportation, public safety, and sustainability. We have also featured engagement in our downtown walkability, art, and culture.

As Liaison to the Princeton Housing Authority (PHA) I have witnessed the transformative progress by the PHA Board, and Executive Director, in reorganizing the structure, communication, and delivery of services to constituents. The formation of the PHA Tenants Council has given residents more voice and allows for greater participation. A new direction is bringing about a cultural change that enhances the lives of residents.

Collaborating with Catholic Charities, we have expanded mental health and substance abuse services, reinforcing our commitment to the well-being of our community. We have also strengthened our drug awareness outreach and prevention programs at PMS and PHS.

Preserving the unique character and historic integrity of Princeton is a priority. In this regard, we have ensured the input of the Historic Preservation Commission in the Master Plan, aligning our Smart Growth plans and initiatives with the town's rich history.

In the face of challenges like affordability, climate change, gentrification, and social infrastructure, Princeton stands at a crossroads. It is crucial that our leadership reflects the diversity and values of our people. As a native son of Princeton, born and raised, I offer a unique perspective on our history; past, present, and future, and consistently bring that perspective in discussions with my colleagues, department heads, and municipal staff.

"Leighton Listens" is my commitment to being local, accessible, and engaged. On Wednesdays from 11-12:30, I show up at various locations around town to listen to constituent concerns, issues, and priorities because meeting people where they are is key to effective representation.

I want to emphasize that civil rights, human services, and affordable housing remain at the core of a more inclusive Princeton. Identifying and understanding the many areas of need for low-income families and seniors, has taught me that serving in local government requires genuine effort and a deep sense of responsibility.

Please join me on this journey. Let us continue to listen, question, and work together to ensure that our decisions are right for all the people and make sense for our community. Your support is invaluable, and together, we can create a Princeton filled with possibilities for all its neighbors. Let us dare to be great!

I want to thank and acknowledge my colleagues for their dedication and unwavering support in helping me through the learning process of municipal government. I want to personally thank Eve Niedergang for her companionship, nurturing, and friendship, as she continues her final year on council.

Thank you for your trust, and I look forward to your advocacy, engagement, and support.

Leighton Newlin

Birch Avenue