Mahesh Bhagia secured the local Democratic Party’s endorsement for Mayor in New Jersey’s 5th largest municipality, capturing the nomination that Democratic Mayor Tom Lankey had previously held.

He defeated Edison Councilman Richard Brescher by a vote of 101 to 32 — a 72%-22.8% margin. Bhagia, the current Edison Democratic Organization Chairman, would make history as the first South Asian mayor in Middlesex County.

The Edison Democratic Organization also voted to endorse Tom McCann, Sparshil Patel and Shannon Peng for the three Edison Council seats currently held by Democrats Bob Diehl, Samip (Sam) Joshi, and Alvaro Gomez.

“I am deeply grateful to the members of the Edison Democratic Organization for their overwhelming support,” said Bhagia. “I cannot wait to start working tirelessly alongside each of you and the residents of our town to ensure that we start putting Edison first. I will run my campaign the way I plan to run town hall, with openness, transparency, and ensuring every voice is heard.”

Tom McCann, a long-standing community volunteer, Assistant Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 110, and member of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 9, stated, “I am humbled to receive the support of the Edison Democratic Organization. Together, we will work to finally get the township’s finances in order.”

Tom McCann received 124 votes, followed by Sparshil Patel and Shannon Peng at 120 votes each.

Incumbent Councilman Sam Joshi had dropped out of the race for Council mere hours before voting, via an email to the executive board at 1:56 am.

“I am truly honored that the Edison Democratic Party has placed their trust in me to help our residents and small businesses recover from this pandemic. I will bring my skills and experience to find solutions to this challenging moment in time,” stated Patel, who has a medical degree and a Master’s in Public Health in Epidemiology.

Shannon Peng is currently an Edison Board of Education member who was first elected in 2016 and currently serving her second term. “I am humbled to be given an opportunity to implement many of the successful reforms we have made in the school district to town hall. We need to ensure that our residents have access to the best services.”

“I could not have asked for a better Council team to run with,” Mayoral Candidate Mahesh Bhagia stated. “Together with a clear vision, constant communication, and an unparalleled work ethic, we will start moving Edison towards a brighter future.”