In a historic milestone for one of the largest Indian American communities in the United States, Mamta Singh has been elected to the Jersey City Council At-Large, becoming the first Indian American ever to win public office in the city. Her victory marks a moment of long-awaited representation for the diaspora that has shaped the city’s cultural and economic life for decades.
Singh’s win coincided with a night of political transformation in Jersey City, as reform-oriented Councilmember James Solomon secured a decisive victory in the mayoral runoff. While Solomon’s mandate reflects a shift in local governance, Singh’s breakthrough emerged as the defining moment for the Indian American community.
Despite Jersey City being home to tens of thousands of Indian Americans — particularly across Journal Square, Exchange Place and the iconic India Square — no member of the community had ever been elected to City Hall until now. Often referred to as “Little India,” the city has long been a hub of South Asian life, yet electoral representation lagged behind its demographic presence.
Running on Solomon’s “Team Solomon” slate alongside Rolando Lavarro and Michael Griffin, Singh campaigned on stabilising property taxes, improving recreation programmes for youth and strengthening support systems for working families. Her deep roots in community advocacy, however, proved to be her strongest asset.
A nonprofit leader and organiser, Singh founded JCFamilies, one of Jersey City’s most influential grassroots organisations serving women, children and working parents. She also created Indians In Jersey City, a platform dedicated to supporting immigrant families and celebrating Indian heritage through festivals, cultural events and community forums.
Over the years, Singh became a trusted bridge for thousands of immigrant families navigating schools, city services and neighbourhood life. Her election, community members say, feels like overdue recognition for decades of contributions by the Indian diaspora.
Her historic rise unfolded alongside Solomon’s sweeping win over former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey, making this election cycle one of the most consequential in recent city history.
