Edison mayoral candidate Sam Joshi wins slew of major endorsements

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Sam Joshi, one of the three candidates vying for the Democratic Party nomination for Mayor of Edison, N.J., won some major endorsements in his state over April 7 and 8, 2021, including from some heavy hitters including the state’s governor, U.S. senators and congressman as well as local elected officials.

The Governor of New Jersey Phil Murphy came out in support of Joshi April 7, as did three Indian-American elected leaders in the State legislature, setting the stage for the upcoming June 8 Democratic primary. Leaders in the State Senate and Assembly, as well as heavy-hitters like U.S. Senator Cory Booker also declared Joshi as their favorite, as did U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, and U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone.

Sen. Booker said, “Sam Joshi will be a great mayor for Edison because he understands what leadership is all about: treating people with respect and compassion, and bringing people together to unite around a common purpose in pursuit of a better future for everyone,” according to a post on Joshi’s Facebook page.

Congressman Frank Pallone in his statement said, “I have worked with Councilman Sam Joshi for many years and know how hard he has worked to unite Edison. He tirelessly strives to represent every resident of his town and to ensure that no community is ever left behind.” Pallone went on to add, “His commitment and energy are exactly what the residents of Edison need and deserve,” the newjerseyglobe reported.

New Jersey Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney also declared his support for the 31year-old Indian-American running for Mayor. “There is no one better to deliver for his residents than Sam Joshi and I am proud to endorse him for mayor and to support the entire Middlesex County Democratic Organization ticket this June and November,” Sweeney was quoted saying in the newjerseyglobe.com and posted on Joshi’s Facebook site.

New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin made his views clear. “I have known Sam Joshi for many years and am pleased to endorse him for mayor of Edison Township,” said Coughlin, who lives in next-door Woodbridge. “Sam is a dedicated public service, committed to unifying his community, putting Edison on the path to fiscal stability and improving the quality of life for all of its residents.”

State Senator Vin Gopal and State Assemblymen Raj Mukherji and Sterley Stanley also ranged themselves behind Joshi. The Governor also endorsed Assemblyman Stanley who is running for re-election this November.

These high-profile endorsements may be a blow to Joshi’s major opponent in the race, Mahesh Bhagia, who however, has his own share of endorsements, having garnered the support of the Edison Democratic Organization. The third candidate running for Edison mayor is Arthur Esposito.

In a statement, Gov. Murphy said, “I’m proud to endorse Sam Joshi for Mayor of Edison. Sam has the experience, passion, and vision needed to unite Edison and continue its role as one of New Jersey’s most thriving and diverse communities. As mayor, Sam will create a new township master plan and prioritize smart investments, such as municipal broadband. Together with Senator Diegnan, Assemblyman Karabinchak, and Assemblyman Stanley, Middlesex County has a bright future. I look forward to working with all County-endorsed candidates to ensure victory this June and beyond.”

Joshi thanked the Governor saying he was “incredibly grateful and humbled,” patch.com reported. Joshi described it as a “huge boost of momentum” for his slate of candidates which includes Margot Harris, John Poyner and Nishith Patel.

Gopal, who is the State Senate Majority Conference Leader, as well as Mukherji, who is the Assembly Judiciary Chairman, and Stanley, in their joint statement to newjerseyglobe.com, said, “As three legislators of South Asian descent, we are proud to wholeheartedly endorse Sam Joshi to be the next mayor of Edison Township. We know Sam to be a champion of his constituents, an ethical elected official and someone who is interested in bringing communities together, rather than tearing them apart,” reported Newjerseyglobe.com.

Gopal and Mukherjee went on to say, “We will be working tirelessly to ensure that Senator Pat Diegnan, Assemblymembers Rob Karabinchak and Sterley Stanley, Surrogate Claribel Cortes and County Commissioners Director Ron Rios, Shanti Narra and Chanelle Scott McCullum win this June’s primary, and that Sam Joshi is elected as Edison’s next mayor this November,” newjerseyglobe.com reported

Edison has a large number of Indian-Americans and other South Asians calling it their home. As the fifth largest municipality in New Jersey, it also raises the cache of the Mayor who runs this multicultural city where more than 43 percent of the people are of Asian descent, and 24 percent have an Indian heritage.