The Governor-elect of New Jersey Mikie Sherrill, the outgoing Governor of New Jersey Phil Murphy, state lawmakers, as well as many other VIPs attended the inauguration of the returning Mayor of Edison, Sam Joshi, January 4, 2026.
Members of the City Council, including Indian American Biral Patel, were also sworn in along with Mayor Joshi, at a ceremony held in the vast Edison Youth Sports Complex which accommodated close to 1,000 people who came to witness the popular Indian American Mayor resume office in his second term. Joshi won his re-election with 72 percent of the vote.
Incoming Governor Sherrill administered the oath of office to Mayor Joshi, whose wife Niyati Joshi, stood by him.
“I am truly humbled today to stand before you as your mayor for the second time in four years,” Joshi said in his speech. He thanked his wife, his parents and family as well as the community because of whom he was standing there, he said. “Our community has shown just how united it is,” he said quoting the huge margins with which he got re-elected.
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“Not despite, but because of our differences, Edison is united in wanting a strong and steady leadership, real progress and shared vision of our future,” Joshi said. His vision of the future was to have an inclusive administration, he noted, and that the honor and trust of his supporters would guide his administration.
On Facebook, the Mayor said, “Incredibly grateful to have nearly a thousand residents come out to Edison’s Inauguration for Mayor and Council. My Oath of Office was administered by Governor Elect Mikie Sherrill with Governor Murphy and my wife present. I look forward to working with Gov Sherrill! Congratulations to Council members Kellie Dima, Robert Kentos and Biral Patel!”
Among the guests at the event was Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media/ITV Gold, who also posted on Facebook about his experience.
“It was an honor to attend the inauguration ceremony of Samip Joshi as Mayor of Edison at his kind invitation. The event reflected the spirit of community, service, and leadership that defines Edison. I extend my warm congratulations to Mayor Samip Joshi and wish him great success as he begins this important responsibility in serving the residents of Edison,” Dr. Parikh said.
Governor Murphy, who has led at least two trade delegations to India during his tenure, expressed greetings to all the VIPs present, including legislative members, and the incoming governor of New Jersey. He spoke of how he has worked with Mayor Joshi on issues such as the small business community in Edison, and noted that during his travels “up and down” the length and breadth of India, he was “pitching Edison.”
“ ‘Oak Tree Road’ are the three words that are known all the world over,” Murphy said to huge applause. “I have dubbed Sam as the Mayor of the fastest-growing Indian community outside of India, in the world,” Gov. Murphy added.
Incoming Governor Sherrill, highlighted how special it was to be at the event especially in this 250th anniversary of Edison, and of the nation. “And New Jersey is where it all began … and where we are continuing to fight for all the promises,” made 250 years ago,” she said.
She praised Joshi as the “youngest Mayor” when he was sworn in the first time in 2022. “It just demonstrates how Edison continues the vision of America … where there is opportunity for all.”
“I want to thank you for allowing me to be here. It is a true honor to be swearing you in today,” incoming Gov. Sherrill said.
Born and raised in Edison, Mayor Joshi began his tenure on January 1, 2022. His term ended December 31, 2025.
The young Indian American Mayor is known for running a hands-on, publicly engaged administration where he emphasized the diversity of his city as an asset. He is credited with improving the city’s infrastructure including upscaling 32 municipal parks, opening the very first Splash Park, and bringing Comcast/Xfinity as a second internet provider in the municipality. Additionally, he championed a statewide crime law to combat home invasion and burglaries. His administration also re-instated the Fix-It Program to assist Edison seniors and disabled people to help with home repairs.
Prior to becoming Mayor, he served on the Edison Township Council for four years, and in the Fair Rental Housing Authority for over four years, plus on the Edison Zoning Board for two years.