Dear Democratic County Committee Member,

I hope this e-mail finds you well. I wanted to share some big news with you personally: I’m planning to enter my name as a candidate for the upcoming vacancy in the New Jersey State Assembly for Legislative District 7 (LD7). The decision didn’t come lightly, and I’m reaching out to ask for your support as I take this step forward.

Like so many of us, I’m heartbroken over Vice President Kamala Harris’s recent loss. When I saw her introducing Governor Tim Walz in Philadelphia, I could only mutter “Aunty Harris” through my tears. This has been a devastating loss for me as an immigrant and as a father of young girls.

Thankfully, we did see some bright spots. We held our county seats by electing Felicia Hopson and Tyler Burrell. Congressman Andy Kim is on track to become our next U.S. Senator, and Assemblyman Dr. Herb Conaway will be our new Congressman—both taking their oaths on January 3, 2025. This last transition will leave a State Assembly vacancy, starting January 2025, which, under state statute, will be filled sometime in January, through a convention by County Committee members of the 17 towns in our district.

As a husband, a father, a mathematician by training, and a public school educator by profession, I bring perspectives that reflect our community’s rich diversity. Yes, I am an immigrant, a Sikh by faith, and would represent many firsts if honored to be elected. But I am more than boxes to be checked—I am driven by the issues that affect us all. From tackling the affordable housing crisis to addressing the achievement gap in education, which impacts students across racial and socioeconomic lines, to pushing for a robust environmental policy in light of climate change, I am ready to work for our shared future. I want to be a legislator who serves and is accountable to the people.

It is no secret that immigrants like myself may become easy targets by the next President. But let me assure you: this immigrant will not sit idly by. I am ready to fight back against any revoking of citizenship propaganda and any federal orders that run contrary to our Constitution and the core American values we hold dear.

As your state legislator, I will use every legislative tool at my disposal to protect our rights and defend our communities. Together, we can push back against divisive rhetoric and policies. I believe in the power of unity and the strength of our diverse voices to make a difference.

Your support means so much to me. Let’s come together to protect what we love and build a future we can all be proud of.

In gratitude,

Balvir

Balvir Singh
Candidate for New Jersey State Assembly (LD7)