Daryl Eisenberg Knegten
Daryl Eisenberg Knegten is a seasoned civic leader, small business owner, and entertainment industry professional. She is running for Watchung Mayor.
A former Watchung Borough Councilwoman, she recently served as Chair of the Watchung Democratic Committee and as the inaugural Chair of the Somerset County Film Commission. Her leadership has positioned Somerset County at the forefront of film production growth in New Jersey, with over half of its municipalities on the path to receiving Film Ready Certification from the New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission.
A proud Democrat and longtime grassroots organizer, Daryl Eisenberg Knegten has worked tirelessly to bring progressive change to her community. After 50 years of uncontested Republican rule, in 2018, she successfully ran on the first slate of Democrats to ever run for council in Watchung. She, along with a running mate, were the first female Democrats ever elected and, at the time, she was the youngest Council Member ever elected. She reversed the closing of our local library, led a partnership with the Watchung schools, and initiated countless community events even during COVID. In 2021, she founded and launched the Watchung Chamber of Commerce.
She continues to be a visible and active presence in local politics, building coalitions, knocking doors, and mentoring emerging leaders. She believes strongly in investing in the next generation of changemakers and is committed to developing long-term strength and vision for the Democratic Party.
Professionally, Daryl Eisenberg Knegten is the Owner and Managing Partner of Eisenberg Casting, an Artios-nominated full-service casting firm with a national footprint. Her firm has cast for film, television, Broadway, national tours, major regional theaters, commercials, voiceover, and new media. Her projects have premiered at top-tier festivals including Sundance, Venice, Tribeca, TIFF, and SXSW, with many going on to receive theatrical or streaming distribution. In the world of theater, her casting work spans Broadway, Off-Broadway, and renowned regional houses across the country.
In recognition of her contributions, Eisenberg Knegten has received numerous accolades, including the 2021 Eleanor Roosevelt Volunteer Service Award from the Somerset County Federation of Democratic Women, a spot on the Insider 100: Millennial Power List, and the Somerset County Business Partnership’s Top 40 Under 40 Award. She holds a BFA from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and is a proud member of the Casting Society of America.
Eisenberg Knegten brings a unique combination of public service, creative industry leadership, and community activism to her candidacy. With vision, experience, and unrelenting commitment, she aims to make Watchung stronger, more vibrant, and more inclusive for generations to come.
She lives on Oakwood Rd East with her husband, Paul, and their three children - Calee, a sophomore at Brown University, Calvin, 10, and Judah, 8.
VoteDaryl@gmail.com
908-578-3289 - cell
Lindsay Kraft
Lindsay Kraft previously served as a member of the Watchung Borough Council from Jan 2019 through Dec 2021. Lindsay seeks to harness her passion for public service, and broad range of experience in law and public policy, for the benefit of all residents. Lindsay is an attorney who works for Zurich Insurance as a Senior Claims Specialist. Prior to practicing law, Lindsay worked as Legislative Director for a New Jersey State Senator.
Since moving to Watchung in 2016, she has volunteered in various capacities, including as the Watchung Borough Fire Commissioner, Council liaison to two boards – the Watchung Library Advisory Board and Traffic and Beautification Committee – and as a member of the Watchung Council Public Works, Administration and Finance, and Environmental Committees. Among her many accomplishments on the Council, Lindsay has advocated for the renovation of the Watchung Library, saving it from being closed by an all-Republican council. As a member of the Council, Lindsay will prioritize public safety, protecting our parks, playgrounds, and open spaces from overdevelopment, and will work tirelessly to ensure that Watchung invests in the efficient delivery of municipal services and recreational programs, while stabilizing property taxes.
As a working mom with a full-time career, Lindsay still finds time to actively volunteer in the schools and with the PTO. Lindsay brings a family-first perspective, having been a resident of Watchung for 10 years. Along with her husband, Adam Kraft, they are raising their three children in Watchung, Dylan, Sienna, and Hope.
Colin Yhlen
Colin Yhlen is a Certified Public Accountant and Business Risk Consultant at FM, a leading commercial property insurer, where he helps organizations identify risks and make sound financial decisions to increase their resilience. Prior to his current role, Colin gained valuable experience auditing financial statements and employee benefit plans, strengthening his expertise in financial oversight and accountability.
A committed member of the Watchung community, Colin has dedicated his time to supporting local families and youth as a baseball and basketball coach, religious education teacher, and active PTO volunteer. Through his work with students, parents, and school programs, he has built strong relationships and a deep understanding of the needs of Watchung residents. Colin is passionate about giving back and strengthening the community he is proud to call home.
