NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Parsippany, N.J., January 10, 2025 — A former U.S. Marine and longtime cybersecurity professional, Pulkit Desai, was sworn in last Saturday as the first Indian American mayor of Parsippany-Troy Hills, marking a historic political shift in one of New Jersey’s largest townships.
Desai’s victory is significant not only for its symbolic value but also for its political impact. His win ended a 42-year Republican hold on Parsippany’s mayor’s office, returning Democratic control to the township for the first time since the early 1980s.
The oath-taking followed a tightly contested November election in which Desai defeated Republican incumbent Mayor James Barberio by a razor-thin margin after mail-in and provisional ballots were counted. The outcome was later affirmed despite legal challenges, clearing the way for Desai’s inauguration earlier this month.
A resident of Parsippany-Troy Hills, Desai brings a résumé that spans military service and the private sector. He served six years in the U.S. Marine Corps, including during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, before building a decades-long career in technology and cybersecurity. Supporters have pointed to his blend of discipline, management experience, and public service as key strengths.
Desai’s election also reflects the township’s evolving demographics. Parsippany has seen steady growth in its Asian American population over the past two decades, and community leaders say the result underscores the increasing civic engagement of immigrant and first-generation families.
In his inaugural remarks, Desai emphasized unity and good governance, pledging to focus on transparency, responsible development, public safety, and fiscal accountability. He said his administration would work for all residents while ensuring that local government remains accessible and responsive.
Democrats also secured control of the township council in the same election cycle, consolidating the party’s hold on local government and signaling a broader political realignment in Morris County.
