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Indian American Impact endorses South Asians for 2025 polls
Seven people, including five of Indian origin, have received the organization’s endorsement in order to strengthen South Asian representation in local and state elections.
Candidates endorsed by Indian American Impact. / Facebook
The Indian American Impact Fund has endorsed a new slate of candidates for the 2025 election cycle. Five of the seven candidates announced in this latest round are of Indian origin, with backgrounds in public service, education, and local governance.
“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,” said Chintan Patel, Executive Director of the Indian American Impact Fund. “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.”
Indian American candidates in the spotlight
Among the endorsed candidates is Dini Ajmani, running for mayor of Hoboken, New Jersey. Born in India to a welder and a homemaker, Ajmani’s story is one of perseverance. A Stanford MBA graduate, she built a career in finance, rising through the ranks on Wall Street while raising a family. Her candidacy centers on fostering economic growth and improving public services in Hoboken.
Shashi Sinha, an Indian American candidate for mayor of Rochester, 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 said, emphasizing his commitment to equitable development.
For Balvir Singh, a public school educator and New Jersey State House District 7 candidate, representation is deeply personal. Singh, the first Sikh legislator in the state’s history, immigrated from Punjab and built a career in mathematics education before entering politics. His platform focuses on education policy and economic opportunity.
In Illinois, Aishwarya Balakrishna, running for Naperville Park District Commissioner, 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 said, emphasizing her commitment to community well-being.
Anant Nambiar, a 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.
Expanding South Asian representation
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.
A growing political force
These endorsements follow Impact’s previous backing of Kannan Srinivasan and JJ Singh, who won Virginia legislative races earlier this year, as well as Ghazala Hashmi, who is running for Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor.
Since its inception in 2016, Impact has endorsed 198 candidates and mobilized over $20 million for South Asian political engagement.
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