SALDEF would like to congratulate Manka Dhingra, Sonny Dhaliwal, Harry Sidhu, Naindeep Chann and Simran Kaur for their 2018 election victories. In this past election, we saw more Sikhs elected into offices across the country, following on the heels of last November’s historic results. Whether it is school board, mayor or senator we are equally excited to see more Sikhs in office!
In Washington State, Manka Dhingra was re-elected to a full term as State Senate for Washington’s 45th District.
Sonny Dhaliwal was re-elected as the Mayor of Lathrop in California
Harry Sidhu was elected to serve as Mayor of Anaheim in California
Raj Singh Chahal was elected to the City Council of Santa Clara, CA
Naindeep Singh Chann was elected to serve Central Unified School Board in Clovis, CA
Sarbjit Kaur Cheema was re-elected to the Board of the New Haven School District in California
Simran Kaur was elected to a Board seat on the Tracy Unified School District, in California
We would also like to recognize: Tejinder Dhami, Lovedeep Jhamat, Bal Dhillon, Harpal Singh Mann, Sukh Sidhu, Kewal Singh, Sarb Thakhar, and J.R Thiara for running strong campaigns for local offices in California.
“SALDEF congratulates these Sikh Americans on their wins, and all other Sikh Americans that serve in elected offices’, said SALDEF Board Chair Kavneet Singh. “Each Sikh American elected official affirms the progress the community is making in public service and displays the breaking down of barriers in the United States, by showing what is achievable when we look past differences and focus on our communities, which includes accepting differences and unifying for a common goal.”
The Asian and Pacific Islander American (APIA) population is the fastest growing demographic in the United States today. Not only were there more Sikh Americans elected to office but there were also more APIA’s overall.
“These electoral victories are especially significant to SALDEF’s SikhLEAD program and its 150 young Sikh men and women alumni. The alumni who are rising leaders focused on forging new paths into politics, social justice, and economic development for all. These wins continue to mainstream the idea of Sikh leaders in the US and encourage young leaders to strive and break down more barriers.”
This above list may not be exhaustive and if there is a name you do not see on this table, please make a suggestion by emailing media@saldef.org and we will be sure to update the table accordingly.