Who Is Sam Joshi? Indian-American Mayor Begins Second Term in Edison

New Delhi, January 5: Samip “Sam” Joshi has officially begun his second term as mayor of Edison, New Jersey, after being sworn in on Sunday, January 4, 2026. Joshi, an Indian-American Democrat, continues to make history as the township’s youngest mayor and its first South Asian leader, a milestone he first achieved in 2022.

Edison, New Jersey’s sixth-largest municipality, renewed its trust in Joshi during the November 2025 elections, where he secured a decisive victory over Independent challenger David Tingle, winning by a margin of nearly 50 percent. His re-election campaign focused on fiscal discipline, infrastructure upgrades, and public safety reforms. Indian-Americans Have Highest Median Household Income in US, Says Report; Elon Musk Responds.

Second-Term Inauguration and Political Support

The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Edison Youth Sports Training Complex and was attended by key political figures, including New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. Murphy, who had endorsed Joshi earlier, praised his leadership and described the election outcome as a clear mandate for inclusive governance and sustained community investment. Kash Patel, Indian American, Nominated As FBI Director by US President-Elect Donald Trump.

Joshi was joined by council allies Kelli Dima, Robert Kentos, and Biral Patel, signaling continuity in township leadership.

Key Achievements From Joshi’s First Term

During his first term, Joshi introduced several reforms that reshaped local governance in Edison. His administration delivered the township’s first property tax decrease in over 30 years and expanded the Edison Police Department to its highest staffing level in nearly two decades.

Other major accomplishments include:

• Infrastructure: Paving 48 miles of roads and revitalizing all 32 municipal parks

• Digital Access: Ending a local internet monopoly by bringing Xfinity/Comcast to Edison

• Public Safety: Launching real-time video 911 calls and installing over 130 automated license plate readers

Economic Vision and India Outreach

Looking ahead, Joshi has outlined an aggressive economic agenda. In late 2025, he joined Governor Murphy on a trade mission to India, visiting cities such as Mumbai and Hyderabad. The goal: attract biotech, technology, and film-industry investments to Edison by leveraging its large South Asian population and strategic location.

Controversies and Clarifications

Joshi’s tenure has also seen debate. In early 2024, he faced criticism over remarks related to undocumented migrants. He later clarified his stance, citing his background as the son of immigrants while emphasizing responsible use of municipal resources.

Background: From Local Teen Intern to Mayor

A lifelong Edison resident, Sam Joshi began his political journey at just 14 as an intern. He later worked as a 9-1-1 telecommunicator and served as Vice President of the Edison Township Council before becoming mayor.

Joshi’s second term will run until December 31, 2029, positioning him as one of the most prominent Indian-American municipal leaders in the United States.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 05, 2026 11:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).