Three New Council Members Also Sworn in at Edison Township’s Inauguration & Swearing-In Ceremony
Our Bureau
Edison, NJ
It is rare for an incoming Governor and an outgoing Governor to be in the same place at the same time, yet it happened here in Edison at the historic Inauguration & Swearing-In Ceremony of Mayor Joshi & three Councilmembers on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at the recently completed Edison Youth Sports Training Complex. The event was highlighted by the attendance of New Jersey’s Honorable Governor Phil Murphy and Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill.
During the ceremony attended by nearly a thousand residents, Mayor Joshi was officially sworn in for a second term and addressed residents, elected officials, and community leaders in attendance. Mayor Joshi won 72% of the vote in the recent 2025 election. In his remarks, Mayor Joshi reflected on the importance of good governance and principled leadership, emphasizing the responsibility of serving a diverse community by thoughtfully considering the needs, perspectives, and voices of all who call Edison home.
Looking ahead, Mayor Joshi expressed optimism for the next four years, noting a strong foundation to continue building upon. He reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive leadership, smart growth, and policies that strengthen quality of life across all neighborhoods, while ensuring that every resident feels represented and heard.
Mayor Joshi stated, “Although we have been able to accomplish so much over the last four years, we still have so much more to do. We will continue to collaborate with all levels of government to bring resources and opportunities to our community. We will keep showing up every day, doing our best, pushing for progress, and keeping your families in mind when making decisions. And most importantly, we will continue to listen. Your feedback, concerns, ideas, and hopes for Edison will guide our work. Together, we will build on this tremendous momentum, honor the trust you have in us, and keep moving Edison forward.”
The ceremony also welcomed three new council members who were sworn in to Edison
Township Council. Councilwoman Kelli Dima, Councilman Robert Kentos, and Councilman Biral Patel each expressed enthusiasm for working alongside Mayor Joshi and fellow councilmembers to advance initiatives that support residents and promote the continued success of Edison.
The ceremony was further distinguished by remarks given by Honorable Governor Phil Murphy and Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill.
“Congratulations to Edison Mayor Sam Joshi on being sworn in for a second term,” said Governor Murphy. “Over the past four years, Mayor Joshi has led the people of Edison with dedication, strengthening an already vibrant community. We were fortunate to have Sam join us on our recent economic mission trip to India, where he played a key role in establishing economic partnerships that will benefit our economy for years to come. We look forward to the continued progress that Mayor Joshi will bring to Edison in the years ahead.”
“I think about the fact that we are about to swear in again, Edison’s youngest elected mayor, the first South Asian Mayor of Edison, I think it just demonstrates so clearly how Edison continues to fulfill that promise, that vision that we all have, a place where you can have your children, get a great education, have everyone have a seat at the table,” said Governor-elect Sherrill.
The event concluded with a message of unity and confidence in Edison Township’s future, as municipal leaders, residents, and guests celebrated the start of a new chapter of service and progress.
Sam Joshi’s rise in Edison, New Jersey, reflects both a personal political breakthrough and the growing influence of the Indian American community in local governance. In 2021, Joshi made history when he was elected mayor of Edison, becoming one of the youngest mayors in the township’s history and the first Indian American to hold the office. His victory came at a moment of transition for the township, with voters backing a new generation of leadership focused on transparency, development, and community engagement. Joshi’s campaign emphasized fiscal responsibility, public safety, and inclusivity, resonating across Edison’s diverse electorate.
Four years later, in 2025, Joshi again made history by winning re-election, becoming the first mayor in decades to secure a second consecutive term under Edison’s relatively new mayoral system. The re-election was widely seen as an endorsement of his record in office, including infrastructure upgrades, downtown revitalization, and efforts to strengthen municipal services while keeping taxes stable.
Edison holds special significance for Indian Americans as one of the largest and most visible hubs of the community in the United States. Home to thriving cultural institutions, temples, businesses, and community organizations, the township has long been a political and cultural center for Indian Americans. Joshi’s leadership has come to symbolize the community’s political maturity and growing role in shaping local and regional governance.
