Indian American Impact Fund endorses 7 South Asians for 2025 elections

Since its inception in 2016, Impact has endorsed 198 South Asian candidates and marshaled $20 million in their support

By Arun Kumar

Indian American Impact Fund has endorsed seven South Asian candidates, “committed to making a tangible difference in their communities,” for the 2025 election cycle, including five Indian Americans, a Pakistani American and a Bangladeshi American.

“The local and statewide elections happening across the country this year will shape not only our future but also our daily lives in profound ways,” stated  Chintan Patel, Executive Director of the Indian American Impact Fund.

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“Each of the seven candidates we are thrilled to endorse today is stepping up to lead, to advocate, and to craft policies that directly impact our schools, our neighborhoods, and our families,” he stated. “By investing in bold, values-driven leadership at every level of government, we are building a future that is more representative, inclusive, and responsive to our communities.”

Impact remains dedicated to ensuring South Asian representation at all levels of government by providing candidates with the resources they need to win, the leading community political advocacy organization stated.

Impact endorsed Indian American candidates include Dini Ajmani for Hoboken Mayor in New Jersey. Raised in a small town in India, Ajmani was brought up by a father who was a welder, and a homemaker mother. She has an MBA from Stanford University and a Masters in Computer Engineering from the University of Texas, Austin.

Shashi Sinha, candidate for Rochester Mayor in New York describes his journey as a testament to the American Dream. “Fourteen years ago, my wife and I chose Rochester as our home… but the American Dream is only possible when foundational needs are met—stable housing, quality education, and a safe environment,” he stated  emphasizing his commitment to equitable development.

Balvir Singh running for New Jersey, State House District 7 is the first Sikh legislator in the state’s history. He immigrated from Punjab and built a career in mathematics education before entering politics. His platform focuses on education policy and economic opportunity.

Aishwarya Balakrishna, running for Naperville Park District Commissioner, in Illinois draws on her background in public health. “As a daughter of Indian-American immigrants, I have approached my entire professional career with the values of hard work, inclusion, and service,” she stated emphasizing her commitment to community well-being.

Anant Nambiar, candidate for Westchester County Legislator in New York, brings years of experience in financial leadership and local governance. A former Mamaroneck School Board member and Town Council official, he advocates for fiscal responsibility and infrastructure development.

Beyond the Indian American candidates, Impact has also endorsed Mussab Ali, running for mayor of Jersey City. The former Board of Education President and education nonprofit founder made history as the youngest elected official in Jersey City at age 20. Ali, whose parents immigrated from Pakistan, has prioritized housing inequality and lead contamination in schools.

Ajmeri Hoque, a Bangladeshi American attorney running for Dublin City Council in Ohio, brings experience as a small business owner and former prosecutor. She has long been involved in legal advocacy and South Asian community organizations.

Impact’s previous 2025 endorsements included Kannan Srinivasan and JJ Singh, who won their Virginia legislative races in the January special election, as well as Ghazala Hashmi, who is running to become Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor.

Since its inception in 2016, Indian American Impact Fund has endorsed and supported 198 candidates across the country, contributing to the historic rise of Indian and South Asian American representation in politics, according to a media release. Impact has also marshaled upwards of $20 million to candidates and robust voter mobilization and policy advocacy efforts for amplifying the voices of South Asian Americans.