Richmond, Virginia: Virginia House Delegate, JJ Singh, who made history as the first “Turbaned Sikh” to serve as a state legislator in the United States history, expressed concerns that the “American Dream is in peril,” during his swearing-in ceremony on January 25, 2025, at the Virginia State Capitol.
Indian-origin Singh expressed, “I stand before you today, proud to be the first Turbaned Sikh to serve in any state legislature in this country’s history,” receiving a huge applause from over 250 family members, friends, and well-wishers, who had gathered to attend the ceremony.

Highlighting pressing issues such as the impact of gun violence on children and the burden of skyrocketing college tuition costs, Singh underscored that his two young daughters have fewer rights than his wife did just a few years ago.
“Gun Violence is the number one cause of death for kids in this country, and college tuition costs have skyrocketed. We have serious work to do in the Commonwealth, and that’s why I ran to serve as a Delegate,” noted Singh.
Singh thanked the Loudoun County and residents of House District 26—encompassing Brambleton, Aldie, Arcola, and South Riding—for entrusting him with their votes.

Reflecting on his journey, he shared that some had doubted his ability to win in Virginia without compromising his faith, but his victory proved otherwise. “It would be convenient to say that we were successful in this election despite living in Virginia, but I’m here to say that on the contrary, it is because we are in Virginia that we were selected and successful in this election,” he emphasized.
Despite challenges facing Virginia and the nation, Singh expressed optimism for the future. He credited his campaign’s success to a team of dedicated supporters who knocked on doors and made phone calls, saying, “We left no stone unturned. I’m so grateful that you came along with me on this journey.”

Singh reflected on Virginia’s complex history, acknowledging its past as the capital of the Confederacy and a “stalwart in segregation,” while celebrating the progress that has made the Commonwealth more inclusive over time.
He also shared his personal connection to history, recalling his time as a tour guide at Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, who designed the Virginia State Capitol.
“I’m proud that I was born and raised in Virginia,” he said noting that he attended Virginia schools and later graduated from the University of Virginia.

He thanked Senator Kannan Srinivasan, who represented House District 26, and his wife, Jayashree Sreenivasan, for their support. He referred to Jayashree as the first lady of the Senate District 32, which Srinivasan represents now.
Singh honored his parents’ journey as immigrants from India in the 1970s, highlighting their sacrifices and determination in pursuing the American Dream. “Their weekly indulgence was a Big Mac with no fries for 49 cents,” he recalled, underscoring their resilience.
The swearing-in ceremony also featured remarks from Senator Srinivasan, Delegate Joshua Cole, several faith leaders, and Virginia House Clerk Paul Nardo, who administered the oath of office. Nardo praised Singh’s historic achievement, noting, “History and progress are happening right here, right now.”
Senator Srinivasan said, “I was very humbled to be here, and I’m so glad he took my seat. Now, I am on the other side of the chamber in the Senate.” Expressing happiness to see many youngsters in the audience, Srinivasan underscored “It’s obviously for their generation. We want to strive to lay the right foundation here.”

During his speech, Delegate Cole referred to the occasion as a “momentous and historic swearing in ceremony.” Explaining the reason behind several faith leaders offering invocations at the ceremony, Cole noted the new Delegate Singh “wanted to appreciate each and every faith that he is blessed to represent.”
The invocations were delivered by Delegate Cole (Christian), Rahul Pathak (Hindu), Rizwan Jaka (Muslim), Buddhist Monk, David Heifetz (Jewish), Laura Cummings (Poem), and Bibi Sahiba Kaur (Sikh).
Singh’s mother, Dilpreet Singh, told South Asian Herald, “I’m a proud mother of JJ and I’m so grateful everybody helped him win this election.”
His brother Rick Singh told South Asian Herald, “JJ here representing the community in the halls of history of the United States is very important for us and for everyone.”
The ceremony also included a memorial resolution introduced by Rick Singh, to honor their late father, Dr. Amarjeet Singh. The resolution, adopted unanimously by attendees, celebrated his life and legacy.