Politics & Government
Democrat Desai Beats Barberio For Mayorship In Dramatic Upset: Report
Provisional ballots put the Marine veteran ahead of the incumbent Republican, according to the report.
PARSIPPANY, NJ — In a dramatic change-up, it appears Democrat Pulkit Desai has beaten incumbent Republican James Barberio in Parsippany’s Mayoral Race, according to a report from New Jersey Globe.
According to the report, Desai beat Barberio by 77 votes in last week’s 2025 mayoral race.
Initial numbers from the Morris County Clerk’s Office had Barberio ahead by 211 votes, but the provisional ballot count put Desai in the lead, according to the report.
Find out what's happening in Parsippanyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Desai, a combat veteran in the U.S. Marines, joins fellow Democratic council candidates Matt Kavanagh and Diya Patel in taking the Parsippany dais.
If the results are ratified, Desai would become Parsippany’s first-ever Asian American mayor. It would also give Democrats a 3-2 majority on the council.
Find out what's happening in Parsippanyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
According to a Parsippany Focus report, Morris County Republican Chairwoman Laura Ali is asking for a recount.
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