A genteel figure who brought a dignified and kindly bearing to public life, not unlike his father before him, former Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes has died.

He was 68.

Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-12) released the following statement on the passing of the former Mercer leader.

“I’m deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my dear friend, Brian Hughes. Brian was a lifelong public servant who tirelessly served Mercer County as its executive with dignity and exceptional service for 20 years.

“Our families have known each other since our fathers worked together decades ago. He always fought for the less fortunate and was a forward-looking leader in Mercer County.

“I was honored to work with Brian to help make Mercer County the incredible place it is today. His hard work in service of his constituents and the indelible mark he left on our community will be his lasting legacy.

“My heart goes out to his wife Pam, son Sullivan, and the entire Hughes family.”

A beloved figure not only in Mercer County but statewide, son of former Governor Richard Hughes, Brian Hughes announced his retirement in 2023 as he ended his campaign for re-election. Mr. Hughes endorsed his rival, Democratic Assemblyman Brian Benson.

Hughes said, “I’ve said throughout this campaign that I’ve never run against a fellow Democrat, and despite the fact that I’m being challenged in this race, it has become clear that the best path forward for Mercer Democrats is for me to step aside. I do not make this decision lightly, after more than 20 years in public office fighting for this county and every last resident… Together, we’ve made Mercer strong. A place you want to live. A place you want to raise your children. A place where you can find a good job and a welcoming community.”

Mr. Hughes served as Mercer’s county executive from 2004 to 2024.  “Twenty years ago, I took on the Republican machine in Mercer and won,” Mr. Hughes said in 2023. “I’m deeply proud of the fact that since I took office, Republicans have not won a single countywide race. We pushed back Republican rule and turned Mercer into a model for progressive leadership for the entire state.”

Mr. Hughes’ campaign cited the outgoing executive’s record, saying that “Under Hughes’ leadership, Mercer County has been a driver of economic growth, an environmental leader, and a model of clean and responsive government for the entire state. County government has preserved more than 5,700 acres of open space, built a thriving economy from the bottom up, and turned Mercer into a transit hub for the entire region through Trenton-Mercer Airport. It is home to an award-winning parks system visited by more than two million people every year, and has completed groundbreaking infrastructure projects providing good-paying, union jobs.”

Calling for an end to the county line, Hughes’ campaign said that he would continue to support reforming the electoral process.

Mercer County Executive Dan Benson expressed his sadness to learn of the passing of his predecessor, Brian M. Hughes.

“Brian was a devoted public servant, and a truly decent man,” said County Executive Dan Benson. “His twenty years as County Executive showed his passion for our County, from our parks, to our airport, to our services for our most vulnerable populations. During my years as a County Commissioner, and later as a State Assemblyman, I had the opportunity to work with Brian for the betterment of Mercer County. Like his father, Governor Richard Hughes, Brian believed deeply in public service and helping those in need. My thoughts are with Brian’s wife Pam, his son Sullivan, and his whole family during this difficult time.”

County Executive Brian Hughes was elected to the Mercer County Board of Commissioners (then known as The Board of Chosen Freeholders) in 1997, serving two terms. In 2003 he was elected Mercer County Executive, the first Democrat to hold the role in twenty-four years. During his twenty years leading Mercer County, Hughes protected over 5,000 acres of open space, launched the Terminal Replacement Project at Trenton-Mercer Airport, introduced programs to support prisoner reentry, and oversaw construction of the new Mercer County Courthouse.

Statement from Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio on the passing of Brian Hughes:

This is a tremendous loss for so many of us in Mercer County.  I ran and served with Brian as county freeholder (now commissioner), and later was honored to serve as a member of his cabinet.  He loved his family, his county, his state and his party, and, like his father before him, he dedicated his life to public service.  His many initiatives in Mercer, most notably in the preserved open space and park system treasured by so many families and residents from one end of our county to the other, will be a meaningful and lasting legacy for years and generations to come.  His compassion, his wit, and his unwavering belief in the importance of service on behalf of those in need, will be deeply missed.