Indian American technology executive Pulkit Desai was sworn in on Saturday as mayor of Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey. Desai took the oath of office at the Parsippany Municipal Building on January 3, formally assuming leadership of the township following a closely contested election. He succeeds Republican incumbent James Barberio after the final vote count confirmed a narrow victory for the Democrat.The mayoral race was one of the tightest local contests in New Jersey in recent years. Desai initially trailed on in-person machine votes in November, but mail-in and provisional ballots later shifted the result in his favour. Certified results put him ahead by about 80 votes out of roughly 20,000 cast. Legal challenges filed by Barberio were dismissed by a New Jersey Superior Court judge, clearing the way for Desai’s swearing-in.A cybersecurity professional by training, Pulkit Desai works in the private sector for a New Jersey-based Fortune 500 company, where he has managed global technology and security teams. He is also a US Marine Corps combat veteran. Desai entered local politics after becoming involved in civic issues in the township, including disputes over voting practices in a private lake association. The inauguration ceremony also saw Democrats Matt Kavanagh and Diya Patel sworn in to the township council, returning Democratic control of Parsippany-Troy Hills’ local government for the first time since 1984.In brief remarks after taking office, Desai said his administration would focus on smart development, managing growth, improving public services and maintaining transparency in local governance. He said priorities would include schools, infrastructure and public safety.Parsippany‑Troy Hills, located in Morris County, is one of the largest municipalities in the state by population. Desai will serve a four-year term as mayor, effective immediately.
