New Jersey — Jersey City voters made history this week, electing Mamta Singh as the first Indian American to hold public office in a city widely regarded as a cornerstone of the nation’s Indian diaspora. Singh secured an at-large City Council seat, a breakthrough that reverberated throughout the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
Her victory came on a pivotal night that also saw Councilmember James Solomon win the mayoral runoff with a reform-focused message. Yet for many of the thousands of Indian American families spread across Journal Square, Exchange Place and the bustling “Little India” district, Singh’s rise stood out as the evening’s defining moment.
For decades, Indian Americans have been central to Jersey City’s cultural and economic growth, but representation at City Hall had remained out of reach. Singh’s election brings long-awaited visibility to a community deeply integrated into the fabric of the city.
Running on Solomon’s slate with Rolando Lavarro and Michael Griffin, Singh focused on stabilizing property taxes, expanding recreational opportunities for youth and strengthening support for working families. Her candidacy was powered by her extensive background in community service.
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Singh is the founder of JCFamilies, one of Jersey City’s most active networks for parents, children and women. She also established Indians in Jersey City, a group dedicated to cultural celebration and immigrant support. Through these efforts, she has become a trusted resource for residents navigating schools, services and the complexities of settling into a new city.
Singh’s historic win — paired with Solomon’s decisive victory over former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey — signals a broader shift in the city’s political landscape and a milestone moment for a community long waiting to see itself reflected in local leadership.