Edison Council Vice President Sam Joshi won handily tonight, defeating Edison Democratic Chair Mahesh Bhagia.

The margin was well over 2-1 unofficially.

Joshi received the backing of the Middlesex County Democratic Committee, and with it nearly every name party politician in the state.

Tonight, incumbent Mayor Tom Lankey – who earlier today pulled petitions – showed up at Joshi’s victory party.

Maybe Lankey won’t run, after all.

In April, Joshi said he’s prepared to welcome Bhagia’s endorsement on the other other side of the primary.

But would he back Bhagia if Bhagia wins?

“I’m going to win,” said the councilman, eyes crinkled over his COVID-19 mask, which covered a grin.

Ok, so that’s how it’s going to go.

Still – he emphasizes that he will not take the contest for granted, and plans to go out and work for evry vote.

Young and youthful, well-spoken and determined, the Rutgers University-educated councilman, a mortgage broker by trade – outlined his vision for Edison in Friday morning’s diner booth sit-down with InsiderNJ. In the process, he touched on President Joe Biden’s federal infrastructure plan and its potential local impact, his professional designs should he get elected, his political history and his deep roots in Edison, the meaning of the county organization’s support, and his willingness to extend a hand in friendship to those willing to work with him even amid the visceral hell of the war in which he finds himself with arch-foe Bhagia.