EDISON, N.J. (Diya TV) — Two prominent Indian American Democrats — Edison Mayor Sam Joshi and Assemblyman Balvir Singh — secured their party’s nominations this week, defeating challengers in competitive primary races as they campaign to retain or expand their political roles in New Jersey.
Joshi, the youngest and first Indian American mayor in Edison’s history, won the Democratic primary on June 10, defeating two challengers by a wide margin. With all 78 districts reporting, Joshi secured 8,717 votes, according to the Middlesex County Clerk’s Office. He outpaced Indian American businessman Lav Patel, who received 2,245 votes, and Councilman Richard Brescher, who garnered 1,893.
Joshi will now face Republican Gloria Dittman in the Nov. 4 general election. Dittman, a former president of the Edison Arts Society, ran unopposed in the GOP primary and collected 2,103 votes.
First elected in 2021, Joshi took office in 2022, making history as the first Indian American to serve as mayor in one of New Jersey’s most diverse municipalities. Born and raised in Edison to immigrant parents from India, Joshi has made development, public safety, and inclusive governance the pillars of his administration.
“This victory belongs to the people of Edison who believe in our vision for a safer, more vibrant, and united community,” Joshi said in a statement following his win. “We still have a lot of work to do.”
In another notable primary, Balvir Singh won the Democratic nomination for New Jersey’s 7th Legislative District, defeating Bordentown Mayor Eric Holliday. Singh, who currently holds the Assembly seat after being selected in January to fill a vacancy, is seeking a full term.
According to projections by the New Jersey Globe, Singh’s victory came with strong party support and a well-organized campaign. He enjoyed key fundraising and logistical advantages. Holliday, on the other hand, ran as part of Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop’s Assembly slate but failed to unseat the incumbent.
Singh’s win marks his second electoral success this year. In January, members of the Burlington County Democratic Committee chose him to fill the seat vacated by longtime Assemblyman Herb Conaway, who moved on to serve in Congress.
A former Burlington County commissioner, Singh immigrated from a small village in Punjab, India, as a child. He later graduated from Burlington City High School and has built a reputation as a public servant focused on education, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.
“I’m honored to have the support of voters who believe in putting working families first,” Singh said Tuesday night. “We’re going to keep pushing for progress in every corner of our district.”
Both Joshi and Singh now turn their focus to the general election in November. Joshi faces a seasoned civic leader in Dittman, while Singh prepares to defend his seat in a closely watched race in South Jersey.
Their wins signal continued momentum for Indian American politicians in New Jersey, a state where the South Asian population continues to grow and assert its influence in local and state government.
