India Tribune Newsdesk
Edison, NJ: Indian-American Democrat Samip “Sam” Joshi was sworn in for a second four-year term as Mayor of Edison, New Jersey, on January 4 at the newly built $12.7 million Edison Youth Sports Training Complex, marking another milestone in his political journey and the township’s history. The ceremony also saw Councilwoman Kelli Dima and Councilmen Robert Kentos and Biral Patel take their oaths of office, completing a decisive victory for Joshi’s slate in the November election.
Joshi secured re-election by defeating Independent challenger David Tingle in a landslide, winning by nearly 50 percent of the vote. His council candidates also overcame a fusion slate of Democratic and Republican challengers, underscoring strong voter support for his leadership and agenda. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy acknowledged the occasion on social media, calling it “thrilling” to witness Joshi take the oath for a second term and congratulating Edison’s newly sworn-in council members.
Born and raised in Edison, Joshi made history in 2022 as the township’s youngest mayor and its first Indian American mayor. The son of Indian immigrants, he grew up in the community he now leads, shaping a political platform centered on development, public safety, and inclusive governance. His second term begins with heightened attention following the Township Council’s unanimous approval on December 22 of a nearly $50,000 salary increase for the full-time mayoral position, raising his pay from $150,000 to $198,000. While some residents criticized the increase, council members defended it as justified given the demands of the role, placing Joshi among the highest-paid mayors in New Jersey.
Since first taking office on January 1, 2022, Joshi has emphasized stabilizing taxes, improving infrastructure, and preserving neighborhoods. His administration has overseen the transformation of all 32 municipal parks, the opening of Edison’s first Splash Park, and the introduction of Comcast/Xfinity as a second internet provider. He also championed a statewide law targeting home invasions and burglaries and reinstated the Fix-It Program to help seniors and disabled residents with home repairs.
Joshi’s public service roots run deep. Before becoming mayor, he served four years on the Edison Township Council, including two as vice president, and held roles on the Fair Rental Housing Authority and Zoning Board. He also worked as a 9-1-1 telecommunicator for the Edison Police Department. His connection to local government began even earlier, with his first internship at Edison Township at age 14, reflecting a lifelong commitment to public service that continues to shape his leadership today.
