“Democratic candidate Sam Singh secured the 69th district seat for the Michigan House of Representatives, making him the first Indian-American to serve on the Michigan Legislature.

“I think it’s always good to have the full diversity of the state represented by its politicians, so I’m pleased to be able to add that voice to the conversation,” Singh said.

Although Singh defeated Susan McGillicuddy and made strides for the Indian-American population by earning two-thirds of the vote as of press time, he said the real work is just beginning.

At press time, it was not determined how many Democrats would be added to the House, but with a Republican governor, Singh said he expects conversations to be difficult between the parties.

“I’m looking forward to those conversations, but I know there are no easy answers to the problem,” Singh said of the difficulty of working with a primarily Republican House.

MSU associate professor of political science Matt Grossmann said Singh is a politician who likely will be able to fill some sort of leadership role.

“Obviously he’s been around the block and is well known in Lansing, so I don’t expect him to have a problem getting accustomed to being a legislator,” Grossmann said. “Our legislators in the Lansing area have a tradition of taking some leadership roles, in part because they are so close to the Capitol.”

Singh said one of his biggest priorities once he takes office is to invest in the state through government.

“We have to get away from this mentality of just trying to cut all of our budgets, and somehow reach success,” Singh said. “It’s really about how we position our universities or K-12 education systems in a new light.”

Sociology junior Sunitha Jacob — an Indian-American — said she voted for Singh because his platforms were in line with her liberal beliefs, but she also appreciates him more because he represents Michigan minorities.

“He’s an Indian-American, but he represents someone who is not of the majority being elected to Congress that is really good, really progressive and really positive,” Jacob said. “I think it is a step forward because obviously it is adding more diversity to the Michigan-elected council.”"

According to unofficial results, Singh claimed victory over Republican Susan McGillicuddy, a longtime Meridian Township supervisor.

Singh said he felt “wonderful” about the win. He’ll replace Democrat Mark Meadows, who was term limited.

“It’s been a long 18 months, and I’m so excited about the response we had about our message of positioning Michigan in the global economy,” Singh said.

The 69th District includes East Lansing, Meridian and Locke townships and most of Williamstown Township.”

Election Day is almost upon us! I wanted to let you know about two exciting events that are happening on Monday, November 5th to help Get Out the Vote!

Middle Class Victory Tour Rally On Michigan State’s Campus-November 5 at Noon
I will be joining Senator Debbie Stabenow as she hosts a Get Out The Vote Rally on Monday, November 5th at noon at the Rock by the Auditorium at 542 Auditorium Rd., East Lansing, MI 48824. A number of local officials and candidates will be participating as well.

Nuns on the Bus Come To Lansing- November 5 at 1:30 pm
Sister Simone Campbell, who led the “Nuns on the Bus” tour for social justice this summer and spoke at the Democratic National Convention, will be in Lansing at 1:30 pm Monday , November 5 to support Proposal 2. Sister Simone is a religious leader, attorney and poet with extensive experience in public policy and advocacy. I will be joining Sister Simone on the tour along with former Congressman Mark Schauer, Michigan workers and other special guests. Please join us in Lansing at 1:30 pm at Andre’s Tailoring and Alterations, 805 W. Holmes Road in Lansing.

Hope to see you at one if not both events!

Sam

PS. We will be having our election night party in conjunction with a number of local candidates at the Pizza House 4790 South Hagadorn Road at the Hannah Plaza in East Lansing starting at 8:00 pm on November 6th.

“The Sierra Club Michigan Chapter supports candidates, like Sam Singh, who understand the importance of protecting and restoring Michigan’s rare and vital natural resources,” said Mike Berkowitz, Sierra Club Michigan Chapter Political Director. “We need people in the legislature who want to invest in the State’s environment, not exploit its resources”.

The Sierra Club Michigan Chapter works to bring together volunteers, state agencies and the legislature for better statewide environmental conservation.

“In order to position Michigan in a global economy we must protect our State’s natural resources and invest in alternative sources of energy,” Said Singh. “I am proud to receive the endorsement from an organization that has been so successful in organizing Michigan citizens to fight to preserve our environment, and I look forward to working with them while in the legislature to implement like-minded policies.”