(May 20, 2025) A Harvard-educated economist, real estate entrepreneur, and former White House policy advisor, JJ Singh is proving that strong ideas and focused execution have a place in American politics. The first turbaned Sikh ever elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, Singh is not only making history but also making a tangible difference. In his very first term representing the state’s 26th District, Singh has successfully secured $55 million in tuition relief for Virginia students, a landmark initiative aimed at tackling the crisis of college affordability. He fulfilled a significant promise within three months of his election.
The son of Indian immigrants, a former Peace Corps volunteer in Bolivia, and a father of two, Singh’s journey from suburban Fairfax Station to the halls of Richmond culminated in the fulfillment of a key campaign promise of securing $55 million in tuition relief for Virginia students.
$55 million for higher education access
Singh’s bill to allocate $55 million in state funding to ease the cost of higher education was signed into law weeks after his election. The relief package is designed to directly support public university and community college students, aiming to reduce the skyrocketing burden of tuition and student debt.
When I went to the University of Virginia, tuition, room, and board was $15,000 a year. Now it’s over $40,000. Families are being forced to choose between helping their kids or funding their own retirement. That’s a terrible position to be in.
JJ Singh
Singh’s initiative comes at a time when college affordability is at the forefront of national discourse. By pushing this measure through early in his tenure, he’s already proven his ability to turn campaign promises into policy wins.
View this post on Instagram
A first for the Sikh American community
JJ Singh’s election in January 2025 was historic on multiple fronts. He became the first Sikh legislator in Virginia’s 249-year legislative history. Wearing a turban and proudly upholding his Sikh faith, Singh stood as a great example of diversity and inclusion.
“I’m a reflection of Virginia, of Loudoun County, and of the American dream,” Singh said. “Our district has people of all faiths, and we work together. That’s the model we should show the world.”
Humble beginnings of the son of the immigrants
JJ Singh’s parents immigrated to the United States from India in 1970, arriving with little certainty about their future. By day, they pursued their studies; by night, they took on jobs to make ends meet. Through sheer determination, they each earned multiple postgraduate degrees and went on to dedicate their careers to serving America’s veterans at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Settling in Northern Virginia’s Fairfax Station, where Singh was born and raised. They came with little more than a belief in the promise of opportunity.
From an early age, they instilled in JJ the enduring values of hard work, service to others, and resilience in the face of adversity.
My dad used to talk about how their big weekly treat was a Big Mac with no fries for 49 cents. That was the highlight of their week. From that to this moment. It’s the story of the American dream unfolding in real time.
JJ Singh
That dream was nurtured with a strong sense of discipline and values. His parents instilled in him the importance of working hard, serving others, and persevering through adversity. These were the principles that would later guide him through the highest levels of education, business, and public service.
View this post on Instagram
Scholar, policy expert, and business leader
JJ Singh’s academic credentials read like a roadmap to the American meritocracy. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Virginia, Singh joined the U.S. Peace Corps and became the first turbaned Sikh to serve, working in Bolivia with single mothers to secure microloans and establish small businesses.
He then moved to New York City, continuing his advocacy for immigrants by helping underserved entrepreneurs gain access to capital. This real-world experience in economic development laid the groundwork for his transition into policy and finance.
Singh pursued not one, but two graduate degrees from Harvard—an MBA from Harvard Business School and an MPA from the Kennedy School of Government. With dual expertise in public administration and business strategy, he was uniquely positioned to work at the intersection of government and enterprise.
Singh went on to serve in the Obama administration’s Office of Management and Budget, where he analyzed federal credit programs and budgets. Later, he became Economic Policy Advisor to U.S. Senator Chris Coons, focusing on banking, taxation, housing, and small business policy.
Outside of public office, Singh is a seasoned entrepreneur. As President of Retreat Hotels and Resorts, he led the development of multiple properties across Georgia, Delaware, and Massachusetts. Even during the pandemic, he completed a $50 million hotel project on time and under budget, a rare feat amid inflation and supply chain chaos.
“I’ve been in both worlds—public service and business, and I’ve learned that execution matters. Vision alone isn’t enough,” Singh said.
The Indian American Impact in Loudoun County
Loudoun County is home to one of the highest concentrations of Indian Americans in the United States, and Singh is quick to acknowledge their role in the region’s success.
There are so many Indian Americans here who have provided invaluable contributions to our economy and culture. Professionally, socially, culturally, they are an integral part of the district.
JJ Singh
Singh’s candidacy and win were historic not only in identity but in impact, signaling a broader shift in how Indian Americans are represented and heard at the state level.
A campaign that delivered results
Singh’s run for office wasn’t handed to him. He knocked on doors in freezing temperatures, spoke to voters in Brambleton, Arcola, and South Riding, and listened intently to their concerns. “Most voters didn’t even know there was a special election coming up,” he said. “So we had to build awareness, create momentum, and then translate that into turnout.”
That grassroots push paid off. Singh’s win over Republican opponent Ram Venkatachalam was a victory not only for Democrats but also for progressives, immigrants, and young families looking for relatable, values-driven leadership.
Addressing gun violence
In addition to higher education affordability, Singh is laser-focused on reducing gun violence, especially in the context of children’s safety.
“It’s now the leading cause of death for kids in America. That’s unacceptable,” he said. He supports banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, alongside strengthening red flag laws.
He’s also committed to protecting reproductive freedom, expanding access to healthcare, and driving economic growth without burdening working families with higher taxes. “We need to invest in infrastructure, education, and an educated workforce. That’s how we grow our economy and attract good employers,” he remarked.
A delegate with a dash of charm
Beyond his policy chops and commanding resume, JJ Singh has a lighter side too. In 2014, during his time on Capitol Hill, he was named one of The Hill’s “50 Most Beautiful People”, an annual list recognizing staffers and lawmakers for their charisma and style.
While Singh laughs it off today, calling it “a fun surprise,” the recognition added an unexpected dimension to his public persona. Its a reminder that politics can occasionally embrace the personal and playful.
View this post on Instagram
Anchored in community and public service
Singh is a member of the Loudoun County Economic Development Advisory Commission and serves as treasurer of the Loudoun County Democratic Committee. He also sits on the board of the National Peace Corps Association, where he continues his lifelong commitment to service and civic engagement.
He’s deeply invested in his community and family life. A father of two daughters, Singh often speaks of his desire to shape a Virginia where “every child—regardless of zip code or family background can thrive.”
The future is inclusive
As he continues to serve, JJ Singh stands tall not just as a legislator, but as a symbol of inclusive representation and possibility. His presence in the Virginia House offers a much-needed redefinition of who gets to lead and what leadership looks like.
Singh’s wins revolve around immigrant grit, American opportunity, and civic courage. He carries his turban with pride, his values with conviction, and his community on his shoulders.
And for thousands of Virginia students, his $55 million tuition relief bill is not just a policy but a promise fulfilled.
- Follow JJ Singh on Instagram
ALSO READ: From Nova Scotia to Global Stage: Anita Anand makes history as Canada’s first Hindu foreign minister
