Pulkit Desai, a US Marine Corps veteran and longtime technology professional, has been sworn in as mayor of Parsippany, New Jersey, marking a historic moment as the township’s first Indian American to hold the position. His victory came after an extremely close election in which provisional and vote-by-mail ballots reversed the initial lead of Republican incumbent James Barberio. Final results confirmed Desai’s narrow win, alongside Democratic victories in two council seats, giving the party control of the township council.
Following his swearing-in ceremony on Saturday, Desai outlined his priorities in his first interview as mayor. He said his administration would focus on managing growth responsibly while improving essential services. Desai emphasized the need to address overcrowding by limiting unchecked residential expansion and encouraging well-planned commercial development that attracts businesses and strengthens the local economy.
Education and public services, Desai said, will remain central to policy decisions. He stressed the importance of fully supporting schools and ensuring that the board of education receives the funding required to maintain quality standards. Public infrastructure and community safety were also highlighted as ongoing areas of focus for the new administration.
Transparency and accountability, according to Desai, will define his leadership style. He stated that residents deserve complete clarity about how decisions are made and pledged to avoid hidden arrangements or behind-the-scenes agreements. His goal, he said, is to maintain open communication and build trust between the township government and the community.
Parsippany is home to a significant Indian American population, and Desai acknowledged the importance of representation while underscoring his responsibility to serve all residents equally. He described the election of himself and council member Diya Patel as a meaningful milestone for the community, reflecting broader changes in local leadership.
Desai traced his path to public office back to his early life in the United States. After completing his education, he served six years in the US Marine Corps, including deployment during Desert Storm. He later spent nearly three decades in the technology industry, working across evolving fields from mainframe systems to cybersecurity.
His entry into civic life began with a dispute over voting access while leading a local lake association, where residents were required to pay an additional fee to vote. Calling the practice unfair, Desai said the experience motivated him to pursue public service. Parsippany, now the largest township in Morris County, has seen major demographic shifts, with Asian Americans forming the largest ethnic group and Indian-origin leaders taking office for the first time.
