New President, 2 Sworn In To Serve Princeton Council

PRINCETON, NJ — 2026 brings new beginnings and also some upcoming changes to the Princeton Council.

At the Wednesday reorganization meeting, Mia Sacks and Michelle Pirone Lambros were both sworn into their third term on the Council by Senator Andrew Zwicker.

"I am deeply grateful in the trust this community has placed in me to serve a third term. That trust carries a clear responsibility to govern with foresight, discipline, and an understanding that the decisions we make today will shape our community for decades to come," said Sacks.

Lambros was also unanimously selected by the Council to serve as Council President

"I am incredibly proud to serve this town and truly honored to work alongside my colleagues here on council," said Lambros. "Each of you brings deep experience, commitment, and heart to our work. We may have very different backgrounds, but our diversity is what makes us a strong, thoughtful, and effective governing body."

Additionally, at the meeting, longtime Councilwoman Leticia Fraga announced she will not seek re-election.

"This will be my final year serving in this role. I remain committed to making it a meaningful and productive year for our community. And I know there is a lot we can accomplish even in just one year. I look forward to it," said Fraga.

Fraga was sworn in to office in January 2018 as the first Latinx ever elected to the Princeton Municipal Government. Her term expires in 2027.

Looking forward, Mayor Mark Freda shared his plans for 2026.

"This is my sixth year as mayor, and you know what, I still love it. It’s a great job. Like I said, it's a great town. But dealing with the people in town, being out and about, chatting with staff, property owners, business owners, people that live and work here - this is just a great place. It is my honor to serve as mayor and I truly appreciate the support," said Freda.

Freda outlined a number of items he plans to tackle in the new year, including:

• Review proposed capital budgets
• Make a decision on the Westminster Choir College Campus
• Affordable Housing Obligations
• Set up high-level strategic goals for 2026
• Improve communication and how the council works together as a body

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