Four candidates file for Princeton city council seat

Special election scheduled for May 2 to fill unexpired term

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Four candidates have filed to run in a special election for an open seat on the Princeton City Council. The Place 4 council position became vacant when Councilmember Ryan Gerfers resigned in January due to health issues. The election is scheduled for May 2, with early voting beginning on April 20.

Why it matters

This special election will determine who fills the vacant city council seat and represents the community's interests on the Princeton City Council. The outcome could impact local policies and decision-making in the city.

The details

The four candidates who have filed for the special election are Sharad Ramani, Jan Goria, Jaisen Rutledge, and Hassan Abdulkareem. Ramani is self-employed, Goria is retired, Rutledge is a vice president, and Abdulkareem is a business professional. Ramani has been a frequent speaker at city council meetings and advocated for changes to the city's sewer billing policy, while Rutledge previously served as the chair of the Princeton Community Development Corporation.

  • The filing deadline was Monday, March 2.
  • The special election is scheduled for Saturday, May 2.
  • Early voting begins on Monday, April 20 and continues through April 28.
  • The last day to register to vote is Thursday, April 2.

The players

Ryan Gerfers

A former Princeton City Councilmember who resigned in January due to health issues.

Amber Anderson

The Princeton City Secretary who is overseeing the candidate filing process for the special election.

Sharad Ramani

A self-employed candidate who has been a frequent speaker at Princeton City Council meetings and advocated for changes to the city's sewer billing policy.

Jan Goria

A retired candidate running for the Princeton City Council seat.

Jaisen Rutledge

A vice president candidate who previously served as the chair of the Princeton Community Development Corporation.

Hassan Abdulkareem

A business professional candidate running for the Princeton City Council.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This special election for the Princeton City Council seat will be an important opportunity for residents to have a voice in local governance and shape the future direction of the community.