The Watchung Democratic Committee has endorsed Daryl Eisenberg Knegten for Mayor and Dr. Albin Xavier and Colin Yhlen for Watchung Borough Council in the upcoming 2026 municipal election, putting forward a slate of candidates with extensive professional experience and a long record of service to the Watchung community.

Eisenberg Knegten previously served on the Watchung Borough Council and currently serves as Chair of the Watchung Democratic Committee. Professionally, she is the owner of Eisenberg Casting and serves as Chair of the Somerset County Film Commission, where she works to support the creative economy and promote film and television production in the region.

Dr. Albin Xavier is an emergency medicine physician who serves as Vice Chair of Emergency Medicine at JFK University Medical Center in Edison, New Jersey, and Director of the Muhlenberg Satellite Emergency Department in Plainfield. He has been a Democratic candidate for Borough Council in the past two election cycles and has remained active in civic and community efforts throughout Watchung.

Colin Yhlen is a Certified Public Accountant and Business Risk Consultant at FM, a leading commercial property insurer. He has been a dedicated volunteer in the Watchung community, serving as a baseball and basketball coach, religious education teacher, and active PTO supporter working with students, families, and school programs.

Watchung’s local government is currently entirely Republican-controlled, and the candidates said they believe the borough benefits when decisions are made with a wider range of perspectives at the table.

“Watchung works best when local government is transparent, responsible, and focused on the needs of the people who live here,” Eisenberg Knegten said. “Albin, Colin, and I care deeply about this community, and we are committed to bringing practical experience, steady and thoughtful leadership, and open communication to serving our residents.”

The candidates said their campaign will focus on maintaining Watchung’s strong quality of life while planning responsibly for the future. Priorities include careful budgeting, supporting public safety and schools, preserving the character of the borough, and ensuring that residents feel informed and heard in local decision-making.

“We believe local government should be approachable, fiscally responsible, and guided by common sense,” the candidates said in a joint statement. “Our goal is to keep Watchung a place where families want to live, where volunteers feel valued, and where decisions are made with the long-term interests of the community in mind.”

The candidates invite residents to meet them at POURtuga Coffeehouse at the Circle on Saturday, March 28 at 11:00am to learn more about the campaign, the candidates, and how to get involved.