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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JANUARY 16, 2026 | The Indian Eye 18

Mayor Joshi Sworn in by Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill

with Guest Speaker Honorable Governor Phil Murphy

Three New Council Members Also Sworn in at Edison Township’s Inauguration & Swearing-In Ceremony

OUR BUREAU
Edison, NJ
t is rare for an incoming Gover-
nor and an outgoing Governor to
Ibe in the same place at the same
time, yet it happened here in Edison
at the historic Inauguration & Swear-
ing-In Ceremony of Mayor Joshi &
three Councilmembers on Sunday,
January 4, 2026 at the recently com-
pleted 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, May-
or Joshi was officially sworn in for a
second term and addressed residents,
elected officials, and community lead-
ers 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 Mayor Sam Joshi (second from left) is sworn in by Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill (right) with Guest Speaker Governor Phil Murphy (first from
governance and principled leader-
ship, emphasizing the responsibility left). Also seen in the photo is Niyati Shah, the first lady of Edison, NJ
of serving a diverse community by
thoughtfully considering the needs, The ceremony also welcomed “I think about the fact that we on transparency, development, and
perspectives, and voices of all who call three new council members who were are about to swear in again, Edison’s community engagement. Joshi’s cam-
Edison home. sworn in to Edison youngest elected mayor, the first paign emphasized fiscal responsibility,
Looking ahead, Mayor Joshi ex- Township Council. Councilwom- South Asian Mayor of Edison, I think public safety, and inclusivity, resonat-
pressed optimism for the next four an Kelli Dima, Councilman Robert it just demonstrates so clearly how ing across Edison’s diverse electorate.
years, noting a strong foundation Kentos, and Councilman Biral Patel Edison continues to fulfill that prom- Four years later, in 2025, Joshi
to continue building upon. He reaf- each expressed enthusiasm for work- ise, that vision that we all have, a place again made history by winning
firmed his commitment to inclusive ing alongside Mayor Joshi and fellow where you can have your children, re-election, becoming the first mayor
leadership, smart growth, and pol- councilmembers to advance initia- get a great education, have everyone in decades to secure a second consec-
icies that strengthen quality of life tives that support residents and pro- have a seat at the table,” said Gover- utive term under Edison’s relatively
across all neighborhoods, while en- mote the continued success of Edison. nor-elect Sherrill. new mayoral system. The re-election

suring that every resident feels repre- The ceremony was further distin- The event concluded with a mes- was widely seen as an endorsement
sented and heard. guished by remarks given by Honor- sage of unity and confidence in Edi- of his record in office, including in-
Mayor Joshi stated, “Although we able Governor Phil Murphy and Gov- son Township’s future, as municipal frastructure upgrades, downtown re-
have been able to accomplish so much ernor-elect Mikie Sherrill. leaders, residents, and guests cele- vitalization, and efforts to strengthen
over the last four years, we still have “Congratulations to Edison May- brated the start of a new chapter of municipal services while keeping tax-
so much more to do. We will continue or Sam Joshi on being sworn in for a service and progress. es stable.
to collaborate with all levels of gov- second term,” said Governor Murphy. Sam Joshi’s rise in Edison, New Edison holds special significance
ernment to bring resources and op- “Over the past four years, Mayor Joshi Jersey, reflects both a personal polit- for Indian Americans as one of the
portunities to our community. We will has led the people of Edison with ical breakthrough and the growing largest and most visible hubs of the
keep showing up every day, doing our dedication, strengthening an already influence of the Indian American community in the United States.
best, pushing for progress, and keep- vibrant community. We were fortu- community in local governance. In Home to thriving cultural institu-
ing your families in mind when mak- nate to have Sam join us on our recent 2021, Joshi made history when he was tions, temples, businesses, and com-
ing decisions. And most importantly, economic mission trip to India, where elected mayor of Edison, becoming munity organizations, the township
we will continue to listen. Your feed- he played a key role in establishing one of the youngest mayors in the has long been a political and cultural
back, concerns, ideas, and hopes for economic partnerships that will bene- township’s history and the first Indian center for Indian Americans. Joshi’s
Edison will guide our work. Together, fit our economy for years to come. We American to hold the office. His victo- leadership has come to symbolize
we will build on this tremendous mo- look forward to the continued prog- ry came at a moment of transition for the community’s political maturity
mentum, honor the trust you have in ress that Mayor Joshi will bring to Ed- the township, with voters backing a and growing role in shaping local and
us, and keep moving Edison forward.” ison in the years ahead.” new generation of leadership focused regional governance.

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