In a significant event for the Indian-American community and local governance, Samip "Sam" Joshi was officially sworn in for his second term as the Mayor of Edison, New Jersey. The ceremony took place on January 4 at the Edison Youth Sports Training Complex, marking a continuation of his historic leadership in one of New Jersey's largest townships.
A Decisive Victory and a Historic Journey
Joshi's path to this second inauguration was secured in the November 2025 elections, where he convincingly won his re-election campaign. He defeated Independent candidate David Tingle by a margin of close to 50 percent of the votes. This public mandate reaffirmed the community's support for his vision.
His journey to the mayor's office is a landmark story. In 2022, Sam Joshi made history by becoming both the youngest and the first Indian American to hold the mayoral office in Edison. The son of immigrants from India, Joshi is a hometown product, having grown up in the township itself. His political platform has consistently focused on key areas: development, public safety, and inclusive governance.
Leadership and Key Achievements
Since beginning his first term on January 1, 2022, Mayor Joshi's administration has been defined by tangible projects and policy initiatives. His core priorities have included stabilizing taxes, strengthening the township's infrastructure, and preserving neighborhood character.
Under his leadership, residents have witnessed substantial upgrades, including the renovation of all 32 municipal parks. A notable addition was the opening of Edison's first-ever Splash Park, a family-friendly facility. In a move to boost connectivity and choice, his administration successfully brought Comcast/Xfinity as a second internet provider to the township.
On the front of public safety, Joshi championed a statewide crime law targeting home invasions and burglaries. He also reinstated the helpful Fix-It Program, designed to assist seniors and people with disabilities with essential home repairs.
A Lifetime of Public Service
Joshi's commitment to Edison is deep-rooted and began at a remarkably young age. His foray into public service started at age 14, when he interned with the Edison Township under former mayors George A. Spadoro and Jun Choi. This early experience laid the foundation for a lifelong dedication to his community.
Before ascending to the mayor's office, he honed his skills over four years on the Edison Township Council, serving two of those years as its vice president. His diverse background also includes roles on the Fair Rental Housing Authority, the Edison Zoning Board, and even serving as a 9-1-1 telecommunicator with the Edison Police Department.
The swearing-in ceremony was also a milestone for the local council. Alongside Mayor Joshi, Councilwoman Kelli Dima, Councilman Robert Kentos, and Councilman Biral Patel also took their oaths of office on the same day, setting the stage for the township's next chapter.
The event drew congratulations from high levels of state leadership. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy took to social media platform X to express his support, stating, "Thrilled to witness Edison Mayor Sam Joshi take his oath for a second term. Congratulations to Mayor Joshi and Edison’s three newest councilmembers."
As he embarks on this second term, which runs through December 31, 2025, Mayor Sam Joshi stands as a prominent figure of Indian-American political success, focusing on expanding programs that support youth, families, seniors, and local businesses in Edison.
