Mamta Singh has made history with her election to Jersey City Council becoming first elected official of Indian descent and the first generation Indian woman to win office in one of the largest centres of Indian community
Mamta Singh was elected as Council At-Large as part of the winning team of reform-driven Councilmember James Solomon, a Democrat, who scored a decisive victory over former Gov. Jim McGreevey in mayoral runoff election.
Singh’s 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.
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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.
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.
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The election followed a crowded seven-way general contest on Nov. 4 that sent Solomon and McGreevey into a runoff after neither secured a majority.
Singh contested the election on a platform of supporting James Solomon’s mayoral vision with comprehensive policies to end corruption, improve transit, and make housing affordable for all residents.
“As a lifelong Jersey City resident and community advocate, I understand the challenges our neighborhoods face,” she wrote suggesting her “background in public service and community organizing has prepared me to be an effective voice for all residents on the City Council.”
Singh said she believes “in transparent governance, economic development that benefits everyone, and ensuring our city remains affordable for working families while we build for the future.”