Princeton Council Candidate Jon Durbin Focuses on Affordable Living and Civic Engagement

Longtime Democratic organizer and community leader announces campaign centered on sustainability, equity, and quality of life

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Jon Durbin, a community leader and longtime Democratic organizer, has announced his candidacy for Princeton Council. Durbin's campaign is focused on affordable living, sustainability, social and economic equity, and strengthening Princeton's civic engagement. With extensive experience in youth sports, community organizations, and local politics, Durbin aims to widen the circle of civic participation and encourage more residents to shape the town's future.

Why it matters

Durbin's campaign priorities reflect key issues facing Princeton, such as the need for affordable housing, sustainability initiatives, and inclusive civic engagement. As a Council member, he would bring a track record of community leadership and a vision to make Princeton an even better place to live.

The details

Durbin has served as president of Princeton Little League, where he helped expand access to affordable programming and strengthen community traditions. He currently holds leadership roles in local baseball leagues and has spent over a decade strengthening Democratic organizations in Mercer County and Princeton. Professionally, Durbin is an editor and vice president at a major publishing company, which he says has prepared him for the fiscal planning required of local government.

  • Durbin recently announced his candidacy for Princeton Council.
  • Durbin has been involved in community leadership roles for over two decades.

The players

Jon Durbin

A community leader and longtime Democratic organizer who is running for Princeton Council.

Heather H. Howard

Former Princeton Councilperson who praised Durbin's priorities and leadership.

Lance Liverman

Former Council president who said Durbin possesses the qualities required to be a Council member.

Owen O'Donnell

Former PDMC chair and past PCDO president who said Durbin's leadership helped eliminate the line on ballots for local Princeton races in 2014.

Jean Durbin

Durbin's wife, a lawyer and former member of the Princeton Board of Education and past president of the PCDO.

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What they’re saying

“For two decades, I've worked to increase and diversify participation in our community — whether in youth sports, local civic life, or our democratic process. My campaign is about widening the circle of civic engagement and encouraging more people to participate in shaping our town's future.”

— Jon Durbin (TAPinto Princeton)

“Jon's priorities reflect our community's core values. He is focused on affordable living and quality of life for residents, including encouraging the development of affordable units for ownership, keeping municipal tax increases lower, bringing new ideas to parks and recreation, and maintaining vibrant local business districts.”

— Heather H. Howard, Former Princeton Councilperson (TAPinto Princeton)

“To be a Council member, it requires a reliable, flexible, honest, caring, unwavering person who is true to all of the Princeton communities. I am 100 percent sure that Jon Durbin possesses all these qualities and more.”

— Lance Liverman, Former Council president (TAPinto Princeton)

What’s next

Durbin's campaign will focus on engaging directly with Princeton residents through door-to-door outreach and community events as he seeks to win a seat on the Princeton Council.

The takeaway

Durbin's campaign for Princeton Council promises to bring a grassroots, community-focused approach to addressing key issues like affordable living, sustainability, and civic engagement, with the goal of making Princeton an even better place to live for all residents.