EDISON, N.J. (Diya TV) — Indian American Democrat Sam Joshi was sworn in Saturday as mayor of Edison, New Jersey, beginning his second term and reaffirming his place as one of the state’s rising political leaders. The ceremony took place Jan. 4 at the Edison Youth Sports Training Complex and drew local officials, community leaders, and residents.
Joshi won reelection in November 2025, defeating Independent challenger David Tingle by a margin of nearly 50 percent. The victory strengthened his mandate after a first term marked by infrastructure upgrades, public safety initiatives, and community-focused programs. Alongside Joshi, Councilwoman Kelli Dima, Councilman Robert Kentos, and Councilman Biral Patel also took their oaths of office, officially starting new terms on the township council.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy praised Joshi’s swearing-in in a post on X. “Thrilled to witness Edison Mayor Sam Joshi take his oath for a second term,” Murphy wrote. “Congratulations to Mayor Joshi and Edison’s three newest councilmembers.”
Joshi, whose full name is Samip Joshi, first made history in 2022 as the youngest and first Indian American to become mayor of Edison. The son of Indian immigrants, he grew up in the township and built his political career through local service. His second-term inauguration signals continuity in leadership for one of New Jersey’s largest and most diverse municipalities.
Joshi’s reelection campaign focused on development, public safety, and inclusive governance. Voters backed his record and vision, giving him a decisive win over his opponent. Supporters cited steady taxes, visible infrastructure improvements, and expanded community services as key reasons for his success at the polls. The result positioned Joshi as a strong local leader within the Democratic Party in New Jersey.
Born and raised in Edison, Joshi began his first mayoral term on Jan. 1, 2022. That term ran through Dec. 31, 2025. From the start, he centered his administration on stabilizing taxes, strengthening infrastructure, and preserving neighborhoods. He also expanded programs for youth, families, seniors, and small businesses. These efforts aimed to improve the quality of life while supporting long-term growth in the township.
Under his leadership, all 32 municipal parks received major upgrades. The township also opened its first-ever Splash Park, a milestone for local families. Joshi’s administration secured Comcast/Xfinity as a second internet provider for Edison. The move increased competition and improved connectivity for residents and businesses.
Public safety remained a core priority during Joshi’s first term. He championed a statewide crime law aimed at reducing home invasions and burglaries. The measure addressed growing concerns about residential crime across New Jersey.
Joshi also reinstated the Fix-It Program, which helps seniors and people with disabilities with essential home repairs. The program offered practical support to vulnerable residents and strengthened neighborhood stability. These initiatives helped define his leadership style as hands-on and community-driven.
Before becoming mayor, Joshi served four years on the Edison Township Council, including two years as vice president. His experience on the council gave him insight into local governance and budget management.
His public service background also includes roles on the Fair Rental Housing Authority and the Edison Zoning Board. Earlier in his career, he worked as a 9-1-1 telecommunicator with the Edison Police Department. Joshi’s connection to local government began early. At age 14, he interned with Edison Township under former mayors George A. Spadoro and Jun Choi. That experience sparked what he has described as a lifelong commitment to public service.
