HOME | Austin Edwards for Mayor

"The best way to make a better future is not to hope for it, but create it"

TRENTON FIRST.

Austin Edward's qualifications speak clearly to his ability to successfully lead and empower our community.

Austin is an HBCU Graduate of Howard University, holder of a Juris Doctorate, and Masters of Public Policy in Matters of Urban Affairs from Princeton University. For Austin, education, leadership investment, and community involvement are his top priorities. Austin has served as the President of Trenton's NAACP, as Chairman of the Trenton Downtown Association, and as Deputy Attorney General at the New Jersey Attorney General Office. Austin also is an Elected Official to the Trenton Board of Education. He has consistently championed multilingual programs and held Trenton Expungement clinics for individuals with outdated convictions, as an attorney pro bono.

Qualified

Leadership

National Experience +

Local Commitment.

Photography + Video By

Herb Rodas

for DANNI Marketing Studio

" My vision for Trenton as a lifelong citizen, 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 . Prosperity means creating clear pathways to good paying jobs through workforce development, job training, trade programs, and partnerships that connect residents to growing industries. While also supporting local entrepreneurs who want to start, grow, and keep their businesses rooted in our neighborhoods. It means expanding access to quality, affordable housing so families can build stability and generational wealth without being pushed out of the communities they love. And it means delivering high class educational opportunities at every stage of life, from early childhood to career training and adult learning, so every Trentonian has the tools to succeed. Trenton’s future should be defined by opportunity that is shared, growth that is inclusive, and a city that works for all of us, not just a few.

That’s what Trenton for All and Austin Edwards for all truly means.

 Trenton’s story is one of resilience, struggle, and shared responsibility. As President of the Trenton NAACP and in my time as an attorney, I have led efforts that go beyond symbolism and into action, including coordinating one stop shop background expungement clinics that have helped hundreds of returning citizens clear their records rebuild their lives, and support family. I have worked alongside Latino, Immigrant, LGBTQ, and Youth led organizations to ensure Civil Rights, protect families, and expand civic participation. Honoring our history means continuing the work, telling the truth about our past, and building a city where dignity and opportunity are not limited by race, language, immigration status, or zip code.

CHAMPIONING OUR DIVERSITY.

 Clean and safe neighborhoods start with real investment and accountability, not slogans. As a lifelong citizen and homeowner in our city, along with being the Board Chair of the Trenton Downtown Association, Austin oversaw the distribution of over one hundred thousand dollars in grants to more than twenty five local small businesses and nonprofits, helping stabilize storefronts, activate street safety watches, and keep our downtown vibrant and welcoming. Through his tenure as a board member at Isles, Inc. I have also supported workforce training, environmental health initiatives, and neighborhood revitalization efforts that address safety by toppling root causes. I believe safety grows when residents have jobs, clean blocks, functioning infrastructure, and a city that shows up for every neighborhood.

 Faith leaders have always been first responders in Trenton, often filling gaps long before government resources arrive. Throughout my public service initiatives, I have worked closely with churches, mosques, and faith based organizations to support youth mentoring, reentry work, food distribution, and community healing initiatives. I have seen how trusted faith leaders can prevent violence, support families in crisis, and mobilize volunteers in ways government alone cannot. As mayor, I will treat faith communities as essential partners, bringing them to the table early and often to help shape solutions that are rooted in trust, compassion, and shared community.