Bobbie Singh-Allen took the win in Elk Grove’s mayoral race in California Monday morning, KCRA 3 reports. Singh-Allen makes history as the nation’s first directly elected Sikh woman mayor.
Incumbent Mayor Steve Ly called Singh-Allen to concede the election, according to ABC 10, but election results still need to be certified. Singh-Allen, a 28-year Elk Grove resident, will become mayor of Sacramento County’s second largest city in the coming year.
“I am truly humbled and honored by our victory. This win is not about me, it is about the well being of Elk Grove,” Singh-Allen, an Elk Grove Unified School District Board Trustee, said via Facebook. “From now on, everyone has a seat at the table. Elk Grove’s best days are ahead.”
“[It] gives me so much pride and joy that I shattered that glass ceiling,” Singh-Allen said, KCRA 3 reports.
Singh-Allen claimed a majority of the vote (46%). Ly received 34% of the vote while a third candidate, Brian Pastor received 18% of the vote, KCRA 3 reports.
“It has truly been an honor and privilege…” Ly said, according to ABC 10. “As I have always said, any elected office is the people’s office. Elected officials serve at your discretion. I still and will always believe that: For the People, By the People.”
In recent data compiled by the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), 93% of respondents said they are registered to vote, while 96% stated plans to vote in the 2020 election. The report, which surveyed 1800 respondents, is the first-ever survey on Sikh Americans at the national level, according to India West.
Results also indicated that a good amount of Sikh Americans are politically active as 70% of respondents said they have signed online petitions, and about 60% said they have donated to political campaigns.
“[The report] is a demographic snapshot of our community and its needs. Often, the voices of Sikh Americans are not heard,” SALDEF Chair Kavneet Singh said.
However, despite high levels of civic engagement, Sikh Americans still feel ‘alienated from the political system,’ India West reports. 58% of respondents said they have faced faith-based discrimination, including harassment for wearing a turban.
“Discrimination and harassment are real despite the fact that we have been a part of the American fabric for over a century,” Washington state Senator Manka Dhingra said, according to India West.
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