- Pulkit Desai becomes Parsippany’s first Indian-American mayor after a razor-thin victory.
- Democrats also won two council seats, gaining control of the township council.
- Desai emphasizes smart commercial development, public infrastructure, and school funding.
- The mayor pledges transparency, accountability, and equal treatment for all residents.
- Desai’s journey includes six years in the US Marine Corps and decades in technology.
Pulkit Desai, an Indian-American US Marine veteran and technology professional, was sworn in as the mayor of Parsippany, New Jersey, on Saturday, making history as the township’s first Indian-American mayor. Desai, a Democrat, won a closely contested election after provisional and vote-by-mail ballots overturned an earlier lead by Republican incumbent James Barberio. The final count gave Desai a narrow victory, and along with two Democratic council wins, it secured party control of the township council.
In his first interview after taking office, Desai highlighted his priorities, focusing on balanced growth and improving local services. “Our main priority is to make sure Parsippany is developed in a smart way,” he said. “The overcrowding that has happened, we want to stop that, but we want to do smart development for commercial. We want to bring businesses in.” Schools and public services remain central to his administration’s agenda, with Desai promising full support and necessary funding for the education board.
Public infrastructure and safety are also key priorities. Desai stressed transparency and accountability, promising residents that township decisions will be open and free of backroom deals. “The most important thing is transparency and accountability,” he said. “I want to be honest with the people of Parsippany with everything that I do. Residents should know how decisions are made, no hidden agendas.”
Acknowledging Parsippany’s large Indian-American population, Desai noted the significance of representation while underscoring equal treatment. “I have to treat everybody equally,” he said, adding that he sees himself as a voice for Indian Americans in the township. Alongside council member Diya Patel, Desai’s election is being described by local media as a monumental achievement for the community.
Desai’s path to public office began in his youth. After moving to the United States at an early age, he completed his education and joined the US Marine Corps, serving for six years, including during Desert Storm. He later spent over three decades in the technology sector, moving from mainframe systems to cybersecurity roles. His entry into local politics was inspired by a voting rights dispute while serving as president of a local lake association, where he challenged a fee required to vote, which he called a “poll tax.” That advocacy paved the way for broader civic involvement.
Parsippany, Morris County’s largest township, has seen significant demographic shifts in recent years, with Asian Americans now the largest ethnic group. Desai’s historic administration reflects the community’s changing demographics and growing influence, marking a new chapter in local governance.
