Dr. Raj Salwan Elected Mayor of Fremont

In a landmark victory, Dr. Raj Salwan has been elected as the new mayor of Fremont, California, securing 47% of the vote in a competitive race. Dr. Salwan’s election is a historic milestone, marking the first time an Indian American will hold the city’s top leadership position. This achievement reflects the influence of the Indian American community in Fremont, a city where nearly 37% of the Asian population identifies as Indian.

Dr. Salwan’s campaign capitalized on his deep roots in Fremont and his extensive public service experience. Having grown up in the city and attended local schools, he emphasized his understanding of Fremont’s unique challenges and aspirations. His career as a veterinarian, small business owner, and City Councilmember for eight years, including two terms as vice mayor, demonstrated his commitment to solving local issues. Dr. Salwan’s narrative of achieving the “American dream” as an immigrant resonated deeply with Fremont’s diverse electorate, as many residents share similar journeys.

Key campaign priorities included addressing homelessness, improving public safety, enhancing infrastructure, and tackling climate change. The Salwan campaign also prioritized economic development, affordable housing, and support for small businesses, reflecting his dedication to fostering a balanced and thriving community. He raised approximately $200,000 to counter negative campaigning and received endorsements from pro-labor groups and business leaders. Dr. Salwan also invested in $50,000 worth of Competitive Edge polling which was used to track voter opinion during the election’s final six weeks. Initial polling enabled him and his consultant, Eagle Communications’ Vic Ajlouny, to see the strong challenge being waged by his chief rival and adopt a more robust messaging strategy using mainly direct mail. Based on the polling, the campaign was able to target resources to persuadable segments and stay the course during the highly contested race that featured negative attacks on Dr. Salwan.

Dr. Salwan’s Indian American heritage played a pivotal role in his campaign messaging. He celebrated his cultural identity, refusing to adopt a more Anglicized name in earlier political bids, a decision that resonated with voters valuing authenticity. His campaign highlighted his ability to bridge Fremont’s diverse ethnic and religious communities and emphasized his connections to Indian American organizations, his support for cultural initiatives, and his advocacy on issues like visa challenges faced by immigrant families.

Looking ahead, Dr. Salwan aims to enhance Fremont’s quality of life by focusing on sustainable neighborhoods, better parks, and stronger community safety. As a husband and father with children in Fremont’s public schools, he brings a personal commitment to education and family-oriented policies.