Who is Sam Joshi? Indian-American Democrat sworn in as mayor of Edison, New Jersey

Indian-American Democrat Sam Joshi was sworn-in as the Mayor of Edison, New Jersey, on Jan. 4 at the Edison Youth Sports Training Complex, marking the beginning of his second term in the city’s mayoral office.Joshi won his re-election campaign in November 2025, defeating Independent candidate David Tingle by close to 50 percent of the votes.Along with Joshi, Councilwoman Kelli Dima, Councilman Robert Kentos, and Councilman Biral Patel also took oath on the same day.Celebrating Joshi’s swearing-in, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said on X, "Thrilled to witness Edison Mayor Sam Joshi take his oath for a second term Congratulations to Mayor Joshi and Edison’s three newest councilmembers."Mayor Samip “Sam” Joshi made history in 2022 as the youngest and first Indian American to become mayor of Edison. The son of immigrants from India, he grew up in the township and focused his platform on development, public safety, and inclusive governance.Born and raised in Edison, Mayor Samip Joshi began his tenure on January 1, 2022, with a term running through December 31, 2025. Since taking office, Joshi has centred his administration on stabilising taxes, strengthening infrastructure, and preserving neighbourhoods, while expanding programmes aimed at supporting youth, families, seniors and local businesses. Under his leadership, all 32 municipal parks have undergone significant upgrades, including the opening of Edison’s first-ever Splash Park. His administration also secured Comcast/Xfinity as a second internet provider in the township, increasing competition and connectivity for residents. On public safety, Joshi championed a statewide crime law targeting home invasions and burglaries, and reinstated the Fix-It Program to assist seniors and people with disabilities with essential home repairs. Before becoming mayor, Joshi served four years on the Edison Township Council, including two as vice president. His public service background also includes roles on the Fair Rental Housing Authority, the Edison Zoning Board, and as a 9-1-1 telecommunicator with the Edison Police Department. Joshi’s roots in local government date back to age 14, when he interned with Edison Township under former mayors George A. Spadoro and Jun Choi, marking the start of a lifelong commitment to public service.