A Leader with Vision and Values: The Journey of NRI JJ Singh
JJ Singh has been sworn in as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, representing the 26th District in Loudoun County.
The January 13, 2025, swearing-in marks a historic first — Singh is the first Sikh American ever elected to Virginia’s legislature.
Singh won his seat in a special election, securing more than 60% of the vote over his Republican challenger, Ram Venkatachalam.
He ran a campaign focused on affordability, access, and public service — pledging to tackle rising college costs, gun violence, and the economic pressures facing Virginia families.
Drawing from a life steeped in service, Singh’s career spans work in the Peace Corps, the Obama White House, and as an advisor in the U.S. Senate.
As a delegate, one of his first successes has been the passage of $55 million in tuition relief for Virginia students — a major win on his education agenda.
Biography
- Born and raised in Fairfax Station, Virginia, Singh comes from a Punjabi Sikh immigrant family.
- Education-wise, he holds a BA in Economics from the University of Virginia, an MPA from Harvard Kennedy School, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
- He began his public service career by joining the Peace Corps, becoming the first turbaned Sikh to serve in that capacity; his posting was in Bolivia where he worked on micro-loan programs and small-business development.
- During the Obama administration, Singh worked at the White House Office of Management and Budget, before later serving as Economic Policy Advisor to U.S. Senator Chris Coons.
- In the private sector, he is President of Retreat Hotels & Resorts, a company focused on sustainability, clean energy, and community growth.
- He is a board member of the National Peace Corps Association and serves on the board of the Jekyll Island Foundation.
- In his personal life, Singh lives in Loudoun County, Virginia, with his wife Jessica and their two daughters.
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