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 now serves 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 her three children - Calee, a sophomore at Brown University, Calvin, 10, and Judah, newly 8.
VoteDaryl@gmail.com
908-578-3289 - cell
Dr. Albin Xavier, MD, MBA
Dr. Albin Xavier is an emergency medicine physician, local leader, and Watchung resident running for Town Council to bring practical, accountable leadership to the community he calls home.
Born in New Jersey to immigrant parents, Albin was raised with a deep belief in hard work, education, and service. His mother worked as an emergency room nurse, and from a young age he saw firsthand the dedication it takes to care for others. Those early experiences shaped his commitment to public service and ultimately led him to a career in medicine.
Albin spent his childhood in New Jersey before continuing his education and medical training, eventually returning to serve patients in the Edison and Plainfield communities. Today, he serves as Vice Chair of Emergency Medicine at JFK Hospital in Edison and Director of a satellite emergency department in Plainfield. He has spent his career on the front lines—making critical decisions under pressure, leading teams, and solving real problems for real people.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Albin helped lead emergency departments through one of the most challenging periods in modern healthcare, working to ensure patients received timely, high- quality care while supporting frontline staff.
Albin and his wife are proud to call Watchung home. As a homeowner and neighbor, he understands the everyday concerns residents face—from rising property taxes to preserving the character, safety, and quality of life that make Watchung special.
He is running for Council to focus on three core priorities: increasing transparency in local government so residents feel informed and heard, supporting the police, fire, and emergency medical professionals who keep the community safe, and promoting affordability to ensure Watchung remains accessible for families at every stage of life.
Albin believes local government works best when it is open, responsive, and grounded in common-sense solutions. He is committed to listening to residents, making thoughtful decisions, and ensuring Watchung continues to be a place where families can thrive.
Colin Yhlen
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.
