Balvir Singh

Balvir Singh is a Democratic politician and educator currently serving as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly, representing the 7th Legislative District. Born on November 9, 1984, Singh has a background in education and local governance, having previously held a position on the Burlington County Board of County Commissioners. He is notable for being the first Asian American and the first Sikh American to win a countywide election in Burlington County, New Jersey.

Early life and career

Balvir Singh was born in India and spent his early years in a small village in Punjab. In 1999, at the age of 14, he immigrated to the United States with his family. They settled in Burlington City, New Jersey, where Singh attended Burlington City High School. His upbringing in a one-bedroom apartment in a new country shaped his perspective and commitment to public service.

After completing his education, Singh pursued a career in teaching, which has been a significant aspect of his professional life. His dedication to education is reflected in his involvement with the Burlington Township Board of Education, where he was elected in 2014. During his tenure on the board, Singh was instrumental in managing the district's finances, serving as Chair of the finance committee. His leadership in this role contributed to maintaining budgetary discipline, ensuring that tax increases and overall spending were kept in check during his three years of service.

Legislative service

Singh's political career took a significant step forward when he announced his candidacy for the Burlington County Board of County Commissioners in March 2017. Running alongside Tom Pullion, Singh campaigned on issues related to local governance, particularly criticizing the existing all-Republican board for its focus on attracting warehouse developments that he argued led to increased traffic and environmental concerns. His campaign faced challenges, including criticism from opponents regarding his previous support for tax increases while on the school board and his endorsement of gubernatorial candidate Phil Murphy.

Despite a low voter turnout during the election, Singh and Pullion were elected to the Board of County Commissioners, marking a notable victory for the Democratic Party in a predominantly Republican area. Singh was sworn into office on January 3, 2018, with the oath administered by Vin Gopal, a fellow politician who made history as the first Indian-American elected to the New Jersey State Senate.

During his time on the Board of County Commissioners, Singh participated in various budgetary decisions, including supporting a budget that resulted in a reduction in property taxes. He also took part in discussions regarding the county's farmland preservation and open space fund, advocating for responsible fiscal management. Singh's tenure was marked by his willingness to dissent on certain issues, such as opposing contracts that he believed were awarded for political reasons rather than merit.

In January 2019, Singh and his fellow Democratic commissioners worked to rescind a controversial "double dipper ban," which restricted the hiring of individuals already receiving taxpayer-funded pensions. Singh argued that this policy hindered the county's ability to attract experienced professionals for public service roles.

Following his successful tenure on the Board of County Commissioners, Singh was selected by the Burlington County Democratic Committee to fill a vacancy in the New Jersey General Assembly after Herb Conaway resigned to take a position in the U.S. House of Representatives. Singh officially took office in the Assembly on January 30, 2025. In the subsequent election, he and fellow incumbent Carol A. Murphy secured their positions by defeating their Republican challengers, further solidifying their representation in the district.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the New Jersey General Assembly, Singh represents the 7th Legislative District, which encompasses parts of Burlington County. His policy focus reflects his background in education and local governance, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, community development, and educational initiatives. Singh's experiences as a teacher and local commissioner inform his legislative priorities, as he seeks to address the needs of his constituents through effective policymaking.

Singh's election to the Assembly is significant not only for his political party but also for the representation of Asian Americans and Sikh Americans in New Jersey's political landscape. His election signifies a growing diversity within local governance and highlights the importance of inclusive representation in the state legislature.

Throughout his career, Singh has maintained a commitment to public service, advocating for policies that benefit his community. His background as an immigrant and educator shapes his approach to governance, as he seeks to create opportunities for all residents of the 7th Legislative District. As he continues to serve in the Assembly, Singh's focus remains on enhancing the quality of life for his constituents and addressing the challenges facing Burlington County.

In addition to his professional responsibilities, Singh balances his public service with family life. He has been married to Sandeep Kaur since 2010, and together they have four children. Singh's personal experiences and values play a crucial role in his approach to leadership and community engagement, as he strives to be a representative who understands the diverse needs of the people he serves.