Neena Singh becomes first Indian American Sikh Mayor in New Jersey

Blazing a trail, Neena Singh has become the first Sikh and Indian American woman mayor in New Jersey with her election as Mayor of Montgomery Township.

“Today is a historic moment for our community and our entire state,” Singh said at the Township Committee’s reorganization meeting last week, according to MyCentralJersey.com.

“I am grateful to my fellow committee members for their support. I am also incredibly proud of our township for, once again, breaking barriers and showing our state what inclusive, transparent and forward-thinking governance looks like.”

READ: The 2016 election was a wake-up call, says Sadaf Jaffer, New Jersey’s first-ever South Asian American woman mayor (January 11, 2019)

Singh was unanimously selected to serve as mayor by her fellow Township Committee members. Vincent Barragan was selected as deputy mayor, becoming Montgomery’s first Latinx deputy mayor.

Singh and Barragan were both sworn into office by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman. Sending videotape congratulations to Singh were Sen. Cory Booker and Indian American state Sen. Vin Gopal.

“For every young South Asian girl growing up not just in Montgomery but across New Jersey, they’re going to have a true role model to look up to,” Gopal said.

State Sen. Andrew Zwicker sent videotaped congratulations, but also appeared in person to offer his congratulations, along with Rep. Andy Kim, Assemblyman Roy Freiman and members of the Somerset County Board of Commissioners.

“I thank God my family and I ended up settling in beautiful Montgomery Township, a town that is representative of the American Dream,” Singh was quoted as saying.

“If America is a melting pot, then Montgomery is a good example of its diversity,” she continued.

“This country and this town have given me immeasurable opportunities and I’m immensely grateful,” Singh said.

Among Singh’s priorities for 2024 are public safety and health.

As Montgomery has grown, Singh said, the township has undertaken public safety initiatives, including measures to improve pedestrian safety.

She also said she will sign the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign pledge.

“There will be opportunities for our Health Department, recreation, schools, libraries, businesses and local community groups to collaborate on this important quality of life endeavor,” Singh said.

“Our goal for 2024 is to ensure that our residents have the best possible resources, whether it’s community health, transportation, public spaces, municipal services or recreational activities,” she said.

“We are also working on strategies to make our tax dollars go further,” the mayor said.

Singh, who has lived in Montgomery for 24 years, has previously served as Deputy Mayor and Township Committeewoman. As an executive officer at STAND Central NJ, a grassroots non-profit, she worked not only on engaging and educating voters but also on empowering them to participate in the democratic process.