Highlights:
- Mamta Singh becomes the first Indian American elected to Jersey City public office.
- Her win comes during a major political shift led by new Mayor James Solomon.
- Founder of JCFamilies and Indians in Jersey City, she is widely known for community service.
- She ran on priorities including tax stability, youth programs, and support for working families.
- Her victory brings long-overdue representation to Jersey City’s large Indian-American population.
In a landmark victory for the Indian-American community, Mamta Singh has become the first Indian-American ever elected to public office in Jersey City, winning a Council At-Large seat during a major political shift in the city. Her election coincided with reformist Councilmember James Soloman's sweeping with in the mayoral runoff, but Singh's breakthrough quickly became the defining moment for the city's large Indian diaspora.
Jersey City is home to tens of thousands of Indian-Americans, especially in neighborhoods like Journal Square and Exchange Place. Despite the city's vibrant Indian community and the iconic India Square that earned it the nickname 'Little India,' no Indian American had previously been elected to City Hall.
Singh's victory closes a decades-long representation gap, bringing political visibility to a community that has long contributed to the city's economy, cultural identity, and civic life.
A nonprofit leader rooted in community service
Mamta Singh built her reputation through years of grassroots organizing and nonprofit leadership. She founded JCFamilies, one of Jersey City's most active community organizations supporting women, children, and working parents. The group grew rapidly under her leadership, becoming a trusted resource for thousands of families.
Singh also founded Indians in Jersey City, a community initiative that helps immigrant families settle in, navigate schools, understand local services, and stay connected to their cultural heritage. Through festivals, workshops, and neighborhood gatherings, she became a central figure in uniting Indian American families across the city.
Her deep, on-the-ground work earned her a strong base of trust, especially among first-generation immigrant families, making her one of the community's most recognized and respected voices.
Campaign priorities focused on families and stability
Running as part of James Soloman's 'Team Soloman' alongside Rolando Lavarro and Michael Griffin, Singh centered her campaign on practical, community-focused goals:
- Keeping property taxes stable
- Expanding youth recreation programs
- Strengthening support for working parents
- Improving access to essential services
For many Indian American residents, her track record of advocacy mattered more than politics. Singh was already known as someone who listened, helped, and stayed involved—even outside election seasons.
A historic moment for 'Little India'
Her election marks a powerful step forward for representation in one of the most diverse cities in the United States. As Jersey City embraces a new political chapter, Mamta Singh’s presence on the council symbolizes both progress and possibility for future generations of Indian Americans.
