Dan Benson was appointed to the Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders in March of 2008 to an unexpired term. A former Councilman, he is honored to be serving his community in this new position and looks forward to working for the people of Mercer County.

Born November 22, 1975, Dan is a lifelong resident of Hamilton Township, growing up in the Broad Street Park neighborhood. His passion for public service was encouraged by his family. Believing in the importance in giving back to his community, Dan was involved in service activities while attending Hamilton High School West. After graduating with honors, Dan attended Georgetown University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in both Physics and Government.

After graduating, Dan returned home and began his studies at Rutgers University for a Master of Public Policy degree from the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, which he earned in 1999. Professionally, Dan is currently consulting in the energy and telecommunications policy field, having worked for ten years in public policy and regulatory affairs both in the private and public sectors.

At age 25, Dan became the youngest elected Councilman in Hamilton's history. On his first day in office, he was chosen by his fellow members of Council to serve as President, a position he held for two years. On the Council, Dan increased the police force to ensure that Hamilton is one of the country's safest communities. He adopted an open space and recreation plan that increased the state and local funding available to the Township. This led to funding for the projects such as the preservation of Ellis Farm and the purchase of the Braghelli Tract, which significantly expanded Hamilton's Veterans Park. He has protected Hamilton’s youth by improving school zone traffic safety and establishing pedophile-free zones near parks and schools while improving road safety by banning trucks on local roads, and pushing for speed humps and other traffic infrastructure improvements.

Outside his elected office, Dan is the President of the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton Township. He is a member of the Mercer County Board of Catholic Charities, the Young Professionals Board of Robert Wood Johnson Hospital at Hamilton, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge #2622. He is Vice President of Friends of the Hamilton Township Library and a Life Member of the American Council of Young Political Leaders.

Dan is married to Dr. Hande Benson, an assistant professor at Drexel University. Dan and Hande met as students at Georgetown University and enjoy their home near Robinson Elementary School in Hamilton.