South Asian Candidates Gain Momentum as IA Impact Announces Key Endorsements Across the U.S.

Indian American (IA) Impact, an organization dedicated to empowering South Asian and Indian American communities through civic engagement and candidate support, has endorsed seven South Asian candidates running for public office across the U.S.

The endorsed candidates include:

• Aishwarya Balakrishna (Indian American) – Naperville Park District Commissioner, Illinois
• Shashi Sinha (Indian American) – Mayor of Rochester, New York
• Dini Ajmani (Indian American) – Mayor of Hoboken, New Jersey
• Balvir Singh (Indian American) – NJ State Assembly (District 7, re-election), New Jersey
• Anant Nambiar (Indian American) – Westchester County Legislator (District 7), New York
• Mussab Ali (Pakistani American) – Mayor of Jersey City, New Jersey
• Ajmeri Hoque (Bangladeshi American) – Franklin County Municipal Court Judge, Ohio

Endorsing Balakrishna, IA Impact praised her as a “public health advocate.” It said Balakrishna, a daughter of Indian American immigrants, is committed to making parks more accessible, affordable, and inclusive for Illinois families.

Ajmani, a former Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Treasury under President Biden, was endorsed for her leadership in COVID-19 recovery efforts and her fight to lower housing costs – experience that IA Impact believes will benefit Hoboken. “She’ll bring that same leadership to Hoboken,” IA Impact noted. 

“We’re excited to endorse Shashi Sinha for Mayor of Rochester. A proud immigrant, business leader, and community advocate, Shashi embodies the American Dream,” IA Impact added. “He’ll fight for affordable housing, quality education, and safer neighborhoods—so every family in Rochester can thrive.”

Singh, who is seeking reelection to the 7^th district in the NJ Assembly is the first Sikh legislator in New Jersey history. He was endorsed for his work as an educator and advocate for affordable housing, economic opportunities, and education.

IA Impact said that Nambiar, who is contesting for Westchester County Legislator (District-7), is a “dedicated leader focused on flooding, affordable housing, and fiscal responsibility.” He has a proven record in public service and finance and that he’ll deliver results for New York residents, according to IA Impact. 

Ali, the son of Pakistani immigrants and community leader, was endorsed for his vision of a more inclusive Jersey City, with a focus on affordable housing, better public schools, and a greener, safer community.

Hoque, an experienced attorney, was celebrated for her dedication to Ohio families and her potential to make history as the state’s first sitting Muslim judge.