TRENTON, N.J., February 17, 2026—Community leader, attorney, and civic leader Austin Edwards, Esq., will officially announce his run for mayor of Trenton on Friday, February 27, at 5:30 pm at Trent-Towne Market at 16 West Ingham Avenue in Trenton. The event is open to the public.

Edwards welcomes all—residents, community advocates, faith leaders, educators, nonprofit organizations, small business owners, entrepreneurs, anyone interested in the future of Trenton—to come hear his vision for the city, and to learn why he believes he has not only the experience and passion to define the path forward but also an abundance of energy to get the job done.

“As a lifelong citizen, my vision for Trenton is a city that is truly prosperous for the people who have always called it home and for those who are choosing to build their future here now,” says Edwards.

Edwards currently serves as:

●     Chairman of the Board, Trenton Downtown Association

●     President, Trenton Branch of the NAACP

●     Board Member, Trenton School Board, Isles, Inc., and Mercer County Board of Social Services

●     Attorney in private practice specializing in community affairs law

Running under the slogan “Trenton First,” Edwards signals a campaign focused on the following:

●     Trenton Jobs Plan: In connection with the Trenton School District, Mercer County, and local universities and organizations, coordinating and supporting more jobs and workforce development for Trentonians

●     Housing for All: Supporting residents of Trenton with a $10,000 property tax cap for homeowners, taking city-owned houses and vacant land and giving Trentonians grants to improve them and live in them, and convening our Trenton Rent Control Board to protect tenants

●     A Clean City Hall: Creating a Trenton Transparency Dashboard, allowing users to track the status of permits, providing transparency in where the City is spending taxpayer dollars, and retaining every city worker (himself included as mayor) to meet the highest municipal standards

●     Safe Streets: Ensuring that Trenton’s streets are safe by fully funding our Trenton Street Teams and investing more heavily in our Trenton Community Policing Unit

“I pledge to revitalize Trenton by putting community first with a vision rooted in equality, justice, quality education, and safe, affordable neighborhoods and opportunity for all,” he adds.

As the current Chairman of the Trenton Downtown Association, Edwards has overseen distribution of more than $100,000 in grants to over 25 small businesses and nonprofits to stabilize storefronts, activate safety initiatives, and support economic vitality.

“I believe safety grows when residents have jobs, clean blocks, functioning infrastructure, and a city that shows up consistently for every neighborhood,” Edwards stresses.

A graduate of Howard University, Edwards holds a Juris Doctor from Howard University School of Law and a Master of Public Policy in Urban Affairs from Princeton University. He is also a member of Greater Mt. Zion AME Church, and will work with Trenton’s many faith leaders and nonprofit organizations to expand opportunity and community participation. Edwards, who is currently responsible for overseeing both Trenton Street Teams, notes that faith leaders have “always been first responders in Trenton, often filling gaps long before government resources arrive.”

His goal is to be right there with them. “I wouldn’t be running for Trenton’s 50th mayor if I didn’t believe Trenton’s best days are ahead—but it will take action, not slogans,” he continues. “In a year when we are celebrating our nation’s 250th anniversary, I understand that to truly honor history, we must also tell the truth about our past, and build a city where dignity and opportunity are available to all.”

For more information, or to get involved, contact AustinEdwardsForAll.com.