Mamta Singh has made history in Jersey City by becoming the first Indian American ever elected to public office in one of the largest Indian American population centres in the United States.
According to reports, Singh won the Council At-Large seat this week, marking a breakthrough moment for the Indian diaspora in the city.
Her victory came on the same night that reform-focused Councilmember James Solomon won the mayoral runoff with a strong mandate.
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Jersey City is home to tens of thousands of Indian Americans, especially in areas like Journal Square, Exchange Place and the well-known India Square, often referred to as ‘Little India’. Despite their large presence and long-standing contribution to the city’s growth, no Indian American, prior to Singh, had ever been elected to City Hall.
Singh’s election closed that gap and gave a long-awaited visibility and representation to a community that has played a major role in shaping the city’s cultural and economic identity.
Running on Solomon’s ‘Team Solomon’ slate along with Rolando Lavarro and Michael Griffin, Singh campaigned on issues such as stabilising property taxes, improving recreation programmes for youth and strengthening services for working families. But what connected most strongly with voters, especially within the diaspora, was her long history of community work.
A nonprofit organiser, Singh founded JCFamilies, one of Jersey City’s most active grassroots groups supporting women, children and working parents. She also created Indians in Jersey City, a platform that helps immigrant families adjust to life in the city while keeping Indian culture alive through festivals, gatherings and community discussions.
Over the years, Singh became a trusted link between new immigrants and long-time residents, helping them navigate schools, services and city systems.
Her win came as Solomon defeated former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey in a decisive mayoral contest, setting the stage for a new chapter in Jersey City politics.
