When voters in Edison, New Jersey cast their ballots on November 4, 2025, the outcome left little room for doubt. Mayor Sam Joshi secured a second four-year term with an overwhelming mandate, capturing nearly 71.5 percent of the vote against independent challenger Dave Tingle. The decisive result carried particular significance in a township widely regarded as a center of Indian American life in the United States, elevating the victory beyond local politics.
Joshi’s success extended well beyond his own race. His entire Democratic ticket swept the council elections, with Kelli Dima, Robert Kentos, and Biral Patel winning their seats. The clean sweep ensured continuity in governance and reinforced Joshi’s control over Edison’s political direction. Earlier in the year, he had already demonstrated strong party support by winning the Democratic primary with 68 percent of the vote, comfortably defeating two rivals.
The mayor’s broad appeal stemmed largely from measurable results during his first term. Infrastructure development stood out as a defining achievement. Under Joshi’s leadership, more than 50 miles of roads were repaved, marking the highest total completed within a three-year period in the township’s history. Residents viewed these improvements as direct evidence of effective and practical governance.
Community spaces also saw major upgrades. By the end of 2025, all 32 municipal parks had been renovated, a new Splash Park opened its doors, and two community gardens were added. These initiatives reflected Joshi’s emphasis on improving daily life and strengthening community connections in a rapidly expanding suburb.
Support for senior residents became another cornerstone of his administration. The expanded “Mr. Fix-It” program delivered over 3,000 free home repairs for elderly homeowners, while complimentary transportation services helped seniors maintain independence and mobility.
Public safety investments further reinforced Joshi’s record. The Edison Police Department grew to 199 officers, its largest force in 18 years, and two new substations were opened in key areas to increase visibility and response capacity.
Joshi also tackled long-standing structural challenges, including ending a decades-old internet monopoly by enabling competition through Comcast/Xfinity. Beyond local borders, he joined Governor Phil Murphy on an economic mission to India, engaging with more than 250 executives from major technology and life sciences firms to promote Edison as an investment hub.
In December 2025, the Township Council approved a 32 percent salary increase for the mayor, raising compensation to $198,000 starting January 2026. As Joshi enters his second term, plans for a new high school and riverfront redevelopment signal an ambitious future, underscoring how local Indian American leadership is reshaping governance through performance, not symbolism.
