The 40-year-old alumnus has a long history of political involvement in the community, most notably a 12-year service on the East Lansing City Council beginning at the age of 24, including a two-year stint as mayor — the youngest in East Lansing history — in 2005, following Meadows’ departure.

He also spent a decade serving as president and CEO of the Michigan Nonprofit Association, representing nonprofit organizations in the legislature.

Singh announced his decision to run via Twitter and Facebook pages Wednesday morning.

Singh said the Republican takeover in the November election was a key motivational factor in his decision to run.

“I felt like we need to have stronger voices in the Democratic Party,” Singh said. “It was really after that election that I made the final decision.”

Many local Democrats credit Singh for bridging the gap between the MSU student body and the East Lansing community. He played a major role in forming the University Student Commission, an advisory board to the city council that offers input on policy issues that affect the university.

Joe Duffy, president of the MSU College Democrats, said Singh has demonstrated the ability to bridge the gap between MSU and permanent East Lansing residents.

“He’s going to be a progressive voice for issues that matter to students,” Duffy said.

Singh also was active in both East Lansing government and MSU during his time as a student, including four years on the East Lansing Transportation Commission and one year on the East Lansing Task Force on Refuse and Recycling. He also served as chief of staff for ASMSU and was a resident mentor in Hubbard Hall for three years.

Despite their long working relationship in local government, Meadows said he does not plan to support Singh in his pursuit for the position. Rather, he said he plans to support Susan Schmidt, his current chief of staff.

Schmidt has not formally announced her candidacy but is expected to in the future, Meadows said.

“To put it bluntly, I just think she will be able to accomplish more for the district in the short period of time.” Meadows said.
Schmidt could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Meadows said Schmidt’s experience is more closely related to state government, making her more adept for the position.

Still, Meadows said Singh helped the council make strides during his time there, including doubling the city’s size through land annexing and heading a committee that revised the city charter.

Singh said he wants to protect public education, including stopping funding cuts to public universities and creating incentives through certain branches of government.

“When we look at priorities in budgeting, we need to look at education first,” Singh said.

Duffy said his views on education likely will be consistent with other Democratic candidates who come out of the woodwork in the coming months.

“Anyone who is going to represent this district is going to make funding higher education a priority,” he said.