Indian-origin Democratic nominee for Virginia House District 26, JJ Singh, will compete against Indian American Ram Venkatachalam, Republican nominee, in the special election on January 7, 2025. In an exclusive interview with South Asian Herald at his campaign headquarters in Ashburn on December 31, 2024, Singh highlighted the significance of securing a victory in this crucial election.

Could you share your educational journey and professional experience?

I was born and raised here in Northern Virginia. I attended the University of Virginia, and then joined the Peace Corps in Bolivia, where I worked with single mothers to help them get micro loans to start and grow businesses. Then I worked in New York City giving loans to immigrant entrepreneurs to help them get access to loans and grow their businesses. Following that, I did Master’s degrees at Harvard; an MBA from Harvard Business School and MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Recently, I also worked at the White House Office of Management and Budget during the Obama administration, and then I was the Economic Policy Advisor to US Senator Chris Coons from Delaware, covering topics like Budget, Banking, Housing and Tax. For the last nine years, I have been developing commercial real estate. I am the President of Retreat Hotels and Resorts, and we have properties in Georgia, Delaware, and Massachusetts. During the pandemic, we developed a $50 million hotel, and we did it on time and under budget, despite supply chain issues and inflation. 

What key issues would you prioritize if elected to the Virginia House of Delegates?

I am concerned about gun violence since it is the number one cause of death for kids, so we need to do more about banning assault weapons, and high-capacity magazines. I have two daughters, and I care about their future. We need to focus on red flag laws, which means if a court deems someone to be unfit or unsafe to own a gun, they shouldn’t have one. And college tuition affordability – when I went to UVA, tuition, room, and board was $15,000, a year, and now it’s $40,000 a year. So, no one can afford to go. And if parents can afford to help, they have to choose whether to fund their own retirement, or their kid’s education. And that’s not a position that the state should be putting our families in. As an entrepreneur, I care about economic growth. Also, reproductive freedom – I care about my daughters and other women and their ability to make their own healthcare choices.

Are you satisfied with the progress of your campaign so far? Why is winning this election so important to you?

It’s going very well. I’m out knocking on people’s doors several hours a day in every neighborhood – Brambleton, Arcola, Aldi, and South Riding. Luckily, today we have good weather, but that’s not the case every day. Normally, it’s very, very cold, and my hand starts to go numb after knocking on doors and handing out literature. The reaction we’re getting when I talk to voters is very positive. Initially, they didn’t know about the election. Now, as we’ve been sending out mails and having digital ads, they are more aware of the election. Now it’s a question of getting them to take that enthusiasm and turn it into actually going to the polls and voting. That’s what our task is today.

On January 7th, you’ll face an Indian American Republican opponent on the ballot. How do you think Indian American voters will respond, given that both candidates share Indian heritage?

Voters in the Indian community are very smart, and they’re going to look at our backgrounds and decide who they want to support. I have significant public sector experience and have persevered through really tough times. I managed to work with Republicans to help pass four bills to help small businesses and manufacturers. I have an ability to execute and deliver on things in challenging environments. I have already discussed my values and priorities, and I believe that I am uniquely equipped to execute on those. That’s what I tell people in the Indian community, and other communities. 

How do you think your background in business and economic policy positions help you to effectively drive initiatives that enhance Virginia’s prosperity?

We must get back to basics – whether it’s at the federal government or the state government. That means that we need to invest in our future, invest in education, invest in infrastructure, and we have to do it in a way that doesn’t raise taxes and cost people a lot of money. That’s what’s going to grow our economy. If we have an educated workforce, a good infrastructure and good schools that in of itself, is enough to attract great employers and enough to create good jobs.

Could you share some of the endorsements you have received?

I am proud to be endorsed by Congressman-elect Suhas Subramanyam. He’s been very impactful in the General Assembly working on tolls and energy prices. He has a great track record of working across the aisle. He’s such a point of pride for our community. I have gotten the endorsement of Kannan Srinivasan, our current delegate in HD 26. He is running for the State Senate, and he’s been a very thorough and effective legislator. He has passed numerous bipartisan bills and has earned the credit and support of so many from across the political spectrum. He’s a hard worker, and he’s going to continue to make us proud here in the community. I have also earned endorsements of Congresswomen Jennifer Wexton and Abigail Spanberger, US Senators Tim Kaine and Senator Mark Warner, among other officials. 

If elected, you would become the first Sikh American in the Virginia House of Delegates. How do you feel about the significance of this milestone?

If you look at House District 26, we have people of all different types of faiths from all around the world. And what’s important to me is that we look at our district as a model for how the rest of the world should operate. Because we are free to practice our own religions and work together. We have great schools, great infrastructure, and our economy is growing. The way I look at it is that I am a reflection of Virginia, I’m a reflection of Loudoun County, and I’m a product of the American dream. My parents came from India in search of a better life. My dad used to always talk that their weekly indulgence was a Big Mac with no fries for 49 cents. That was his and my mom’s weekly indulgence. Now, to go from that to have someone like me achieve success in the public and private sectors and have the opportunity to represent this district is in fact the embodiment of the American dream. 

What are some core values your parents instilled in you?

My parents had several values instilled in me. They include work hard, serve others, and persevere through tough times. 

What are your thoughts on the contributions of Indian Americans to the growth and success of Loudoun County?

There are so many Indian Americans here in Loudoun County that have provided so many benefits to our economy, and they represent such a large part of House District 26. Their contributions professionally, socially, and culturally are invaluable. I’m delighted to be a member of the community and hope to represent us in the General Assembly.

(This interview has been edited for length, brevity and clarity.)

Related posts:

Indian Americans Mourn the Passing of Manmohan Singh: Architect of Modern India and U.S.-India Partnership Suhas Subramanyam Adds Fresh Flavor to the ‘Samosa’ Caucus in the US Congress NCAIA and DMV community organizations celebrate 78th Indian Independence Day celebrations in Virginia ‘I am Known for a Brand of Politics in Richmond for Reaching Across the Aisle, Building Consensus and Deep Relationships’