Hamilton Township Mayor Jeff Martin announced Thursday, Oct. 22, that he will not seek reelection in 2027, bringing his tenure as mayor to an end after two terms.
Martin, a Democrat who was first elected mayor in 2019 and reelected in 2023, said he reached the decision after considerable thought and conversations about his future. His current term expires Dec. 31, 2027.
“After much thought, reflection, and conversations, I have made the difficult decision that I will not seek reelection as Mayor of Hamilton Township,” Martin said in a statement released by the township.
Martin, 42, has spent nearly nine years in elected office, beginning with his election to the Hamilton Township Council in 2017. He served as council president in 2019 before defeating incumbent Republican Mayor Kelly Yaede later that year.
His election made him the youngest person ever elected mayor of Hamilton Township and marked a significant political shift in a municipality that had been governed by Republicans for 12 years.
In announcing his decision, Martin reflected on his years in public service and the relationships he developed with residents throughout the township.
“Serving as your mayor is one of the greatest honors of my life,” Martin said. “From the day I was first elected to Town Council nearly 9 years ago or Mayor nearly 7 years ago, I have understood that any elected position is about more than holding a title, it is about serving people, listening to their concerns, working through challenges, and doing everything possible to make our community a better place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Martin did not identify a specific reason for deciding against another campaign, nor did he announce plans to pursue another elected office.
“I am proud of the time I have spent serving you, and I am grateful for the trust so many of you have placed in me, which made this decision so difficult,” he said. “I believe that leadership is not just about knowing when to step forward, it is also about recognizing when it is time to step away.”
A U.S. Air Force veteran and attorney, Martin served in the Air Force’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps. He earned his bachelor’s degree from The College of New Jersey, a law degree from Rutgers University and a Master of Laws degree from the University of Connecticut.
During his announcement, Martin emphasized his connection to Hamilton’s neighborhoods and the people he has met during his time in office.
He recalled visiting communities from Yardville and Cornell Heights to Hamilton Square, Bromley, Broad Street Park and Whitehorse, saying those experiences helped shape his understanding of the township and its residents.
While acknowledging that residents have not always agreed on every issue, Martin said he believes their shared commitment to Hamilton has remained a unifying force.
He also credited township employees, volunteers, community organizations, local businesses and residents with contributing to the municipality’s progress during his administration.
“I am proud of the work we have done together, and I recognize that the progress of any community is never the result of one person alone,” Martin said. “It takes committed employees, volunteers, community organizations, local businesses, and residents who care.”
Martin’s decision creates an open mayoral contest in 2027. The election will determine who succeeds him when his second four-year term concludes.
Martin’s 2019 victory over Yaede helped solidify Democratic gains in Hamilton, a municipality that historically has been competitive between the two major political parties. His departure will give both parties an opportunity to put forward candidates for the township’s top elected position.
In his statement, Martin thanked members of the Township Council and municipal employees for their service and cooperation. He also expressed appreciation for the support of his wife and daughter throughout his political career.
He reserved particular thanks for Hamilton residents, acknowledging their willingness to share concerns, offer suggestions and challenge his thinking during his time in office.
Martin said his decision not to seek another term should not be interpreted as a departure from the community or an end to his involvement in Hamilton.
“My decision not to seek reelection does not mean that my commitment to Hamilton is coming to an end,” he said. “This Township is my home, and its future matters deeply to me. While I don’t know what my future holds, I know mine and my family’s future is in Hamilton!”
Martin expressed confidence in Hamilton’s future and said he looks forward to seeing the township’s next mayor build on the work of previous administrations.
He made clear that he intends to continue serving through the remainder of his term.
“Now, with so much more to do, it is time to get back to work!” Martin said.
