Parsippany Mayor Barberio Wins GOP Primary, Faces Democrat Desai

Incumbent Mayor James Barberio won the contentious Republican primary in Parsippany, New Jersey, defeating Councilman Justin Musella and securing the GOP nomination for a fourth non-consecutive term. Barberio's running mates, including incumbent Council Vice President Frank Neglia and Jigar Shah, also prevailed in the council primary, setting up a November general election against Democrat Pulkit Desai, who ran uncontested and aims to become Parsippany’s first South Asian American mayor. The primary race was marked by deep intra-party divisions and shifting local political alliances, reflecting Parsippany’s status as a swing municipality with a history of alternating party control. Musella, who campaigned on changing the status quo with a focus on overtaxation and overdevelopment concerns, conceded and pledged to support Barberio in the general election. Parsippany, with nearly 60,000 residents, is the largest municipality in Morris County and the only one with a full-time mayor, highlighting the significance of this local election. The general election will be held on November 4, with the winner leading a municipality long influenced by Republican infighting and demographic changes.