See Who Is On The Ballot In Parsippany

PARSIPPANY, NJ — Parsippany has some contested races this year, both for the mayor’s seat, and for spots on the council dais. Patch has provided an overview of who’s on the local ballot this year.

* Denotes incumbent

Mayoral Election (vote for one)

• *James Barberio, Republican: Barberio is seeking another four-year term, having served as Parsippany’s mayor from 2010 to 2018. After losing his third re-election attempt in 2017 to Democrat Michael Soriano, Barberio returned in 2021 to beat Soriano and has served as the town’s mayor since.

“Known for his pro-active leadership and commitment to revitalizing Parsippany’s economy, Mayor Barberio is dedicated to reaching out to residents and business owners,” his campaign website reads. “He champions shared services and remains steadfast in fighting for the well-being of his constituents.”

• Pulkit Desai, Democrat: Desai is a combat veteran for the U.S. Marines and now works as a cybersecurity professional. Desai has also served as President of the Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association since October 2020.

“I want to give back to the place that gave so much to my family. I want to help restore the charm and character that once defined Parsippany while celebrating the rich mix of cultures that define it today,” Desai told Patch. “Together, we can keep this town a welcoming, thriving home for every generation; because Parsippany’s best days are still ahead of us.”

Council Election (vote for two)

Four candidates are vying for two seats on Parsippany’s Council. See who’s running below:

• *Frank Neglia, Republican: Neglia has been on the Parsippany Council since 2022, and has worked on the Parsippany Board of Education, among other public positions. He works as Director of Operations and Facilities Management for The Connection for Women and Families.

“I am running for this position to continue my service of giving back to the town I live in, have raised my 5 children in and been a part of since 1966,” Neglia said. “I love the town of Parsippany and will always strive to make it a better place and help anyone I can.”

• Jigar Shah, Republican: Shah is an importer and wholesale distributor who has sat on several Parsippany boards including the planning, economic development, and recreation boards.

“I am running for council because I am profoundly dedicated to the future of Parsippany, a community that has become an integral part of my life,” Shah said. “As a proud resident, husband, father, and grandfather, I am eager to give back and believe there is no greater way to do so than by serving the people of Parsippany.”

• Matt Kavanagh, Democrat: Kavanagh is a self-employed U.S. Naval Academy graduate who has held senior leadership positions in operations, finance, energy, engineering and infrastructure in the public sector.

“I am running for council to make Parsippany a sustainable and affordable place to live for every resident,” Kavanagh said. “In the last four years, municipal taxes have gone up by 25 percent with few actual improvements. I will cut waste and put your tax dollars towards infrastructure and services you deserve.”

• Diya Patel, Democrat: Patel is a student at Pace Law School and a long-time public worker who’s worked alongside politicians, including Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill and Mayor of Scranton, Paige Cognetti.

“Parsippany is being monopolized by the small, wealthy, well-connected portion of the population, and it is hurting our everyday citizens,” Patel told Patch. “I want to provide our citizens, my neighbors, friends, and family with representation that reflects them, their priorities, and values.”

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Election Day is Tuesday. Click here to find your polling place.

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