The Mercer County Board of County Commissioners has a new chair leading the governing body – Kristin McLaughlin.
McLaughlin, who served as vice chair in 2024, was chosen by her fellow commissioners to lead the board in 2025 on Jan. 6 at their annual reorganization meeting inside the War Memorial Building in Trenton.
This is McLaughlin’s first time serving in the role as chair. She succeeds Commissioner John Cimino.
Mercer County Executive Dan Benson administered the oath of office to McLaughlin with family by her side.
Commissioner Terrance Stokes is now serving as the board’s new vice chair after being nominated and elected by his fellow commissioners.
This is Stokes first time serving in the role of vice chair. Benson administered the oath of office to Stokes as his family stood by his side.
In addition to the election of chair and vice chair, the evening meeting consisted of a swearing-in ceremony for Commissioners McLaughlin, Stokes, and Sam Frisby to start their new terms. Each have begun their new three-year term as county commissioners.
McLaughlin, Stokes and Frisby defeated their Republican challengers in the November 2024 general election. McLaughlin received 98,597 votes, Frisby received 96,438 votes, and Stokes received 96,300 votes in the election.
McLaughlin, who was first elected to the board in 2021, was sworn in for her second consecutive term by her mom, former Kansas State Sen. Audrey Langworthy.
Former Trenton Mayor Doug Palmer administered the oath of office to Frisby with family by his side. Frisby has been serving on the board since 2011.
New Jersey State Sen. Shirley Turner (D-15) administered the oath of office to Stokes with family by his side. Stokes was also sworn in to a second consecutive term.
The Board of County Commissioners consists of McLaughlin, Stokes, Cimino, Frisby, Nina Melker, Cathleen Lewis, and Lucylle Walter.
“It was an honor to swear in Kristin McLaughlin as the new chair of the Mercer County Board of County Commissioners at the board’s annual reorganization meeting on Monday,” Benson said.
“Congratulations to the board’s new Vice Chair, Terrance Stokes, and to Commissioner Sam Frisby, who along with Commissioners McLaughlin and Stokes was sworn into a new term after their re-election in November.
“I’m proud of the strong partnership we’ve built with our Board of Commissioners during 2024, and I know we’ll accomplish great things together in the year to come,” Benson said.
Commissioner Kristin McLaughlin (center) serves as board chair in 2025.
Commissioner Sam Frisby (right) sworn in during the annual reorganization meeting.
Commissioner Terrance Stokes (left) takes oath of office with his family joining him on stage.
Kristin McLaughlin (left) administered her oath of office on Jan. 6 in Trenton.
