ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Mamta Singh makes history as first Indian American elected to Jersey City Council
Singh’s historic rise unfolded alongside Solomon’s resounding mayoral victory.
-
1764791215.jpg)
Mohammed Jaffer - Wed, 03, Dec 2025
- 15:00 EST
- 20
Mamta Singh elected to Jersey City council. / Mohammed Jaffer-Snapsindia
Jersey City’s runoff election delivered a double milestone Dec. 2 night: the decisive victory of reform-driven Councilmember James Solomon as mayor, and the historic election of Mamta Singh as Council At-Large — making her the first Indian American ever elected to public office in Jersey City’s history.
While Solomon’s commanding win over former Gov. Jim McGreevey reshapes the city’s political direction, Singh’s breakthrough may prove just as transformative. Her election marks a moment of long-awaited representation for the tens of thousands of Indian American residents who have helped shape the cultural and economic life of Jersey City for decades but had never before seen one of their own elected to City Hall.
Singh, running as part of Solomon’s “Team Solomon” ticket alongside Rolando Lavarro and Michael Griffin, won her seat with a platform focused on stable property taxes, expanded recreation for youth, and stronger services for working families. But her impact extends far beyond her policy agenda.
A nonprofit leader and community organizer, Singh founded JCFamilies, one of the city’s most influential grassroots organizations advocating for women, children, and working parents. She also founded Indians In Jersey City, a group dedicated to supporting immigrant families and celebrating Indian culture. Her work has made her a familiar and trusted figure across Jersey City’s diverse neighborhoods — from longtime residents to newly arrived immigrants seeking connection and community.
Her election represents a historic breakthrough for a city that is home to one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing Indian American communities. For many residents, Singh’s win is a long overdue moment of visibility and inclusion. It also signals a shift in Jersey City’s political landscape toward leaders who reflect the demographics, aspirations, and lived experiences of the people they serve.
Singh’s historic rise unfolded alongside Solomon’s resounding mayoral victory. Solomon, 41, won the runoff with about 69 percent of the vote, according to the Associated Press. A progressive reformer known for challenging political machines, Solomon framed his campaign around affordability and resisting the influence of major developers.
“Tonight is a win for Jersey City against the corrupt political machine,” Solomon said in his victory statement. He promised a city government focused on residents rather than special interests, vowing to build “a more affordable Jersey City, where everyone has a chance to thrive.”
His opponent, McGreevey, attempted a political comeback backed by establishment donors, but controversies from his time as governor and shifting political winds weighed heavily on his bid. Despite his recent praise-worthy work helping formerly incarcerated individuals, voters were not willing to deliver him a second act in elected office.
The election followed a crowded seven-way general contest on November 4 that sent Solomon and McGreevey into a runoff after neither secured a majority. As momentum shifted, Solomon consolidated support from progressive leaders, including fellow candidates Mussab Ali and Bill O’Dea.
Now, as Solomon prepares to succeed outgoing Mayor Steven Fulop — who is departing for New York to lead that city’s foremost business group — he will do so with a strengthened council that includes Singh’s historic voice.
For many across Jersey City, Singh’s victory is more than an electoral result; it is a moment of pride, representation, and possibility. Her presence on the City Council signals a new chapter for a city defined by diversity — one in which its leadership finally reflects the communities that make it thrive.
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login