Democrat Pulkit Desai apparently has been elected mayor in Parsippany.

An updated count gives Desai 9,976 votes to 9,898 for incumbent Republican Jamie Barberio.

This stunning development - coming more than a week after the Nov. 4  election - if possible, makes an awful election even worse for Republicans.

Parsippany is the largest town in what normally is very Republican Morris County.

On Election Night, it was clear that Democratic council candidates Diya Patel and Matt Kavanagh were victorious. They were each more than a thousand votes ahead of Republicans Frank Neglia and Jiger Shah.

But Barberio, a lifelong resident and popular figure in town, was slightly ahead of Desai.

However, with more mail-in and provisional ballots counted, Desai vaulted into the lead when the figures were officially updated by the county clerk's office Thursday morning.

Here is what Desai said on social media:

"We did it, Parsippany!

After months of hard work, conversations at doors, and countless community moments, I’m incredibly proud and humbled to share that we won this mayoral election.
Together, we made history, Parsippany has elected its first Indian Mayor. This milestone belongs not just to me, but to every person who believes in opportunity, representation, and the promise of our town’s diversity.
This race came down to just 77 votes; a powerful reminder that every single vote matters. I am deeply grateful to every resident who participated in this year’s election, whether you voted for me or not. Your engagement is what keeps our democracy strong and our community vibrant.
To our volunteers, supporters, and neighbors who gave their time, energy, and heart to this campaign, thank you. You believed in our vision for a better Parsippany and helped make it a reality.
Now, the real work begins. Together, we’ll build a Parsippany we can all be proud of."

Desai is a Marine Corps veteran and president of the Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association. On his campaign site, he describes himself as a "cybersecurity leader."

When the council organizes next year, it will have a Democratic mayor and three Democrats on the five-member council.

Judy Hernandez, now the only Dem on the governing body, is in line to become Council President.