Brian Hughes, who served as Mercer County executive for 20 years and was a prominent advocate for open space preservation and regional economic development, died this morning. He was 68.
A Democrat from Princeton, Hughes was the son of former New Jersey Gov. and state Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard J. Hughes. Hughes was first elected county executive in 2003 and served until 2023, when he was succeeded by current County Executive Dan Benson.
“Brian was a devoted public servant and a truly decent man,” said Benson in a news release. “His 20 years as county executive showed his passion for our county, from our parks, to our airport, to our services for our most vulnerable populations.”
Benson said that during his years as as a Mercer County Commissioner, and later as a State Assemblyman, he had the opportunity to work with Hughes on a number of local issues.
“Like his father, Governor Richard Hughes, Brian believed deeply in public service and helping those in need,” Benson said.
During his tenure, Hughes prioritized initiatives such as revitalizing the Trenton-Mercer Airport, overseeing the preservation of thousands of acres of open space, and guiding the county through the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an interview with communitynews.org during his final weeks in office, Hughes reflected on his legacy, including his efforts to preserve open space.
“That open space will live on for our children, our grandchildren and beyond,” he said. “New Jersey is one of the most congested states … and it needs places where there are open space park activities.”
He also took pride in the development of the airport, noting the economic opportunities it brought.
“The reason that the airport is successful is because we were able to negotiate with Frontier Airlines,” Hughes said, citing expanded service and convenience for county residents.
He also was instrumental in the County’s current plan to expand the terminal and parking at the airport.
“The airport that we currently have is crowded,” he said. “It’s difficult to get your luggage. It’s difficult to use. I’d like to see a brand-new airport. It’s something I’ve been working on for 10 or 15 years.”
Hughes’ tenure was marked by challenges, including the response to the pandemic in 2020 and 2021.
“We took a lot of heat during the pandemic,” he acknowledged. “We did as good as we could with the supplies we had— and there were some weeks when we would get only six vaccinations. I’m not talking 60, or six boxes. We would get six vaccinations.”
Hughes decided not to seek reelection after losing the county Democratic nomination to Benson in March 2023.
“At first, I was gonna put up a fight,” he told communitynews.org. “But then I thought about the party. We should have unity rather than division. … I really feel like I put my time in. … Sometimes it’s time to go and sometimes it’s time to stay.”
Before becoming county executive, Hughes served two terms as a county freeholder, first elected in 1997, and previously worked as deputy executive director of the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.
Looking back, Hughes said he was proud of his time leading the county. “I think it’s because we have open space, because we have trails, because we are good government, and because we have municipal governments, and a county a government that cares about the people who come here and who live here. It’s a wonderful place.”
Trenton mayor Reed Gusciora also issued a statement. “I have had the privilege of knowing Brian in both public and private life since 1988. Over the decades, I came to know him not only as a steadfast leader but as an incredible friend and unwavering supporter of the City of Trenton,” he said.
“Brian brought deep compassion to his work—whether it was improving our parks and public spaces, championing the arts and our shared cultural heritage, or standing up for those who had the least and needed the most. He was a true advocate for the underserved, never forgetting the people and communities too often overlooked. He led with heart, humility, and a tireless commitment to the betterment of Mercer County. His legacy will long be felt across the region, especially in Trenton, where his advocacy and love for our city never wavered.
Brian Hughes was universally respected and beloved, and his loss leaves a tremendous void. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Hughes family during this difficult time.”
Hughes is survived by his wife, Pam, and his son, Sullivan. Funeral arrangements were not immediately available.
