Singh Swarnjit Becomes Norwich's First Sikh Mayor

New York, Nov 7 (PTI) - Indian-origin Democrat businessman Singh Swarnjit has made history by becoming the first Sikh mayor of Norwich, Connecticut. Swarnjit won the mayoral race with 3,978 votes, or 57.25 percent, defeating his Republican competitor Stacy Gould, who garnered 2,828 votes, or 40.7 percent.

According to his election website, Swarnjit credits Norwich for welcoming his family warmly. After fleeing the anti-Sikh riots in India in 1984, he arrived in the United States in 2007 in search of the American Dream and a refuge from violent persecution. Swarnjit is a real estate developer and also owns a gas station in Norwich.

Swarnjit emphasizes the importance of giving back to the nation that has embraced him. He believes in protecting American freedoms from violent extremism, as stated in his profile. Prior to being elected mayor, Swarnjit served on the City Council, the Norwich Board of Education, the Commission on the City Plan, the Inland Wetland Commission, the Norwich Area Clergy Association, and as Director of the Norwich Community Development Corporation.

As mayor, Swarnjit plans to leverage his strong community ties and business acumen to create a brighter and more prosperous future for Norwich residents. His campaign outlined his plans to focus on reducing taxes, reviving the economy, and attracting manufacturing to Norwich. Restoring the economy and expanding the tax base will enable him to lead the City Council in lowering taxes while still providing budgets that address community values. This approach aims to lower the financial burden on Norwich families and residents.

Swarnjit's victory is part of a broader success for Indian-origin candidates in the November 4 elections. Other notable winners include New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, Virginia Lieutenant Governor-elect Ghazala Hashmi, Ohio Mayor-elect Aftab Pureval, and former Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, who was elected to the New Jersey State Assembly.