Jersey City, NJ, USA: Sumit “Sam” Salia, a U.S. Army veteran and long-time Jersey City resident, is running as an independent candidate for an at-large seat on the Jersey City Public Schools Board of Education. His name will appear on the general election ballot on November 4, 2025.
Salia’s campaign centres on accountability, transparency, and modernising school infrastructure. His key mission is to ensure that every taxpayer dollar is used effectively to enhance learning conditions for all students in the district.
“Our school district’s budget now exceeds $1.1 billion, costing the average homeowner about $4,600 annually in school taxes. Yet, Jersey City’s schools still rank in the bottom 25% statewide,” Salia noted. “Many of our schools are nearly 100 years old and lack essential upgrades like working air conditioning, safe roofs, properly maintained doors, and updated restrooms.”
A pharmacist, small business owner, and father of a six-year-old, Salia has lived in Jersey City for over 15 years. He believes that active civic participation is vital for Indian Americans and other immigrant communities to make their voices heard.
“Indian Americans have contributed immensely to Jersey City and New Jersey through business ownership, property investment, and community engagement,” he said. “Education is central to our American Dream, and it’s crucial that we are represented where important decisions are made.”
This election season has seen growing involvement from Indian American candidates statewide — including Kaushal Patel for the State Assembly and Mamta Singh for Council-at-Large. If elected, Singh would become the first Indian American woman to serve on the Jersey City Council, a milestone Salia believes would be a proud moment for the entire community.
Salia’s campaign has gained momentum with increasing backing from the Indian American community. “As people learn about my goals and vision, they are joining our effort to create meaningful change in our schools,” he said. “This is not just my campaign—it’s a shared movement to improve education for every child in Jersey City.”
He emphasised that Indian Americans deeply value education, equality, and community strength. “Our candidates should represent these principles—ensuring every child, regardless of background, has access to quality education and an environment that nurtures success,” Salia said. “We must remain united and committed to the collective progress of our community.”
Drawing from his military service and professional background, Salia says his campaign is guided by discipline, service, and integrity. “My time in the Army taught me to always put others first. As a pharmacist, I continue serving the public every day by improving their health and well-being. Running for the Board of Education is another way to give back to the city that has given me so much,” he shared.
Running independently, Salia says, allows him to focus purely on students’ needs without political interference. “While school board elections are officially nonpartisan, party affiliations often influence outcomes indirectly,” he explained. “This is my third independent, self-funded run—proof of my dedication and credibility. I’ve also earned support from community leaders across political lines who share the same goal: better schools and transparent governance.
