Princeton Dems Endorse Cohen For Council, Support Rubina, Durbin

PRINCETON, NJ — The Princeton Community Democratic Organization (PCDO) endorsed one candidate for Princeton Council, while throwing its support behind two additional council hopefuls who fell short of the full endorsement threshold.

The candidate forum and endorsement meeting was held Sunday at the Unitarian Church of Princeton.

Four Democrats are vying for two seats on the Princeton Council. Incumbent David Cohen is seeking a fourth term alongside challengers Jon Durbin, Leanna Jahnke and Marina Rubina. The race was opened up in January when three-term Councilwoman Leticia Fraga announced she would not seek reelection.

David Cohen earned the PCDO's formal endorsement for Princeton Council after a two-round instant runoff vote among 164 eligible ballots.

Cohen fell just short of the required 60 percent endorsement threshold — 99 votes — in the first round with 97 votes, triggering a runoff among the top three finishers.

After last-place finisher Leanna Jahnke was eliminated and her votes redistributed, Cohen reached 115 votes to secure the endorsement. Rubina finished second with 94 votes and Durbin third with 82 votes; both received PCDO's formal support designation, which requires clearing a 40 percent threshold of 66 votes.

Twenty ballots were cast for no endorsement.

Nakia White Barr secured the PCDO endorsement for Mercer County Commissioner in the first round, receiving 116 of 163 valid ballots — well above the 98-vote threshold required for endorsement.

Lucy Walter finished second with 91 votes and John Cimino third with 67 votes. Nine ballots were cast for no endorsement.

The PCDO does not apply a support threshold in county races under its bylaws.

The organization voted by acclamation to endorse Jack Kemler for Mercer County Sheriff and Diane Gerofsky for Mercer County Surrogate. Both candidates are running uncontested in the primary.

More information on PCDO-endorsed candidates is available at princetondems.org. Below is a recording of the forum:

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