Voters across the Hopewell Valley weighed in on high-stakes local issues Tuesday — from the future of Hopewell Borough’s water system to the Hopewell Valley Regional School District’s $84 million bond referendum — as Election Day 2025 drew strong community engagement across all three municipalities.
All results remain unofficial until certified by the Mercer County Board of Elections.
School Bond Referendum Approved Districtwide
Hopewell Valley voters approved both Question 1 and Question 2 of the Hopewell Valley Regional School District (HVRSD) bond referendum, securing more than $20.2 million in state aid toward critical infrastructure upgrades and school expansions.
The referendum passed in Hopewell Township, Hopewell Borough, and Pennington Borough, marking a decisive turnaround from the 2024 defeat of a similar measure.
The district will now move forward with major projects, including roof and HVAC replacements, safety and drainage improvements, and classroom additions at Bear Tavern Elementary and Toll Gate Grammar School designed to address long-term enrollment growth.
In a statement from the grassroots group, We Are Hopewell Valley, which campaigned in support of the measure, members celebrated the outcome as “a momentous victory not just for our schools, but for every family, student, and resident who believes in the power of quality public education.”
The group noted that the vote was “an investment in tangible progress,” highlighting improvements in student safety, infrastructure, and equity of resources across the district.
The statement also called for “continued transparency and accountability throughout the implementation process,” adding, “This project belongs to everyone.”
Voters across the Hopewell Valley approved both questions of the bond referendum, with Question 1 passing 5,917 to 4,145 (58.8%) and Question 2 passing 5,410 to 4,611 (54.0%), according to unofficial results from the Mercer County Clerk. Both measures received support in all three municipalities, though by different margins. In Hopewell Township, Question 1 passed 4,872 to 3,520 and Question 2 4,545 to 3,833. In Hopewell Borough, the measures passed 557 to 346 and 522 to 376, respectively. In Pennington Borough, Question 1 passed 797 to 429 and Question 2 776 to 449.
Hopewell Township
Incumbent Democrats Mayor Courtney Peters-Manning and Deputy Mayor David Chait were reelected to the Township Committee, defeating Republican challengers Ed Jackowski and Steve Niederer. Peters-Manning led the field with 5,432 votes (28.6%), followed by Chait with 5,209 (28.4%). Jackowski received 3,133 votes (21.1%), and Niederer earned 3,220 (21.9%). In total, more than 17,000 votes were cast in the Township race.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the residents of Hopewell Township,” Chait said following the results. “Courtney and I know there’s important work ahead and endless ways to support our incredible community. I also want to thank Ed and Steve for their candidacy and for their shared care for our community.”
In the race for Hopewell Township’s two Board of Education seats, Hope Cotter led with 4,682 votes, followed by Amanda Stylianou with 4,431 votes, both securing seats on the Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education. William Keithler received 3,104 votes.
Hopewell Borough
Hopewell Borough voters approved the sale of the community-owned water system to New Jersey American Water, with 58.6% (612 votes) in favor and 41.4% (433 votes) opposed.
The decision follows more than a year of heated debate and legal wrangling over whether to retain or sell the Borough’s small public utility. The sale will bring in $6.4 million dollars and provide millions more in infrastructure investment, allowing the Borough to pay off debt. Opponents argued the move would erode local control and could increase costs for some households.
In the Borough Council race, Democrats Krista Weaver and Paul Buda were elected.
For school board, Mark Peters was elected unopposed to represent the Borough.
Fire District elections saw Charles Schuyler Morehouse and David L. Peters win full and unexpired commissioner terms, respectively. A separate Fire Commission question passed with nearly 89% support (929–117).
Pennington Borough
In Pennington Borough, Democrats Katrina Angarone and Amy Kassler-Taub were elected to Borough Council, receiving 1,137 and 1,129 votes respectively. Both won easily, with just eight write-in votes cast.
In the Pennington Fire District election, Robert M. DiFalco (1,065 votes) and Brian Hofacker (1,023 votes) were elected as fire commissioners.
Early Voting and Mercer County Turnout
According to Mercer County’s unofficial election data, 32,116 residents voted early in person this year. Democrats accounted for 52.6% of early voters, Republicans 21.9%, and unaffiliated voters 24.9%.
Within the Hopewell Valley, 3,612 residents voted early, representing about 11% of the countywide early vote:
- Hopewell Township: 2,852 early voters
- Pennington Borough: 553 early voters
- Hopewell Borough: 207 early voters
Countywide, Hamilton Township led early voting with more than 7,700 ballots cast, followed by Lawrence, Ewing, West Windsor, and Princeton. Together, those five municipalities accounted for roughly two-thirds of all early votes.
All vote totals are unofficial and subject to certification by the Mercer County Board of Elections.
