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Raj Salwan
2024 - Present
2028
0
Raj Salwan is the Mayor of Fremont in California. He assumed office on December 10, 2024. His current term ends in 2028.
Salwan ran for election for Mayor of Fremont in California. He won in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Salwan completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Municipal elections in Fremont are nonpartisan. Salwan is a member of the Democratic Party.[1]
Biography
Salwan was born in Fremont, California. He earned a B.S. in biological sciences from the University of California, Irvine, a graduate degree from Tuskegee University in 1999, and an MD in veterinary medicine from the Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine.[2][3]
Elections
2024
See also: Mayoral election in Fremont, California (2024)
General election
General election for Mayor of Fremont
Raj Salwan defeated Vinnie Bacon, Rohan Marfatia, and Hiu Ng in the general election for Mayor of Fremont on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Raj Salwan (Nonpartisan)  | 47.1 | 36,435 |
 | Vinnie Bacon (Nonpartisan) | 32.4 | 25,108 | |
 | Rohan Marfatia (Nonpartisan) | 11.6 | 8,947 | |
 | Hiu Ng (Nonpartisan) | 8.9 | 6,910 | |
| Total votes: 77,400 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Endorsements
To view Salwan's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Salwan in this election.
2020
See also: City elections in Fremont, California (2020)
General election
General election for Fremont City Council District 5
Incumbent Raj Salwan defeated Dolev Gandler in the general election for Fremont City Council District 5 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Raj Salwan (Nonpartisan) | 79.1 | 12,540 |
| Dolev Gandler (Nonpartisan) | 20.6 | 3,259 | ||
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.3 | 51 | ||
| Total votes: 15,850 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
2016
The city of Fremont, California, held elections for mayor and city council on November 8, 2016. Two city council seats were up for election.[4] The following candidates ran in the general election for two at-large seats on the Fremont City Council.[5]
| Fremont City Council, At-large General Election, 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
 Vinnie Bacon Incumbent |
31.52% | 34,649 |
| Raj Salwan |
21.28% | 23,391 |
| Kathy Kimberlin | 12.04% | 13,239 |
| Rakesh Sharma | 11.51% | 12,650 |
| Laurie Manuel | 10.29% | 11,309 |
| Cullen Tiernan | 9.20% | 10,110 |
| Marty Froomin | 3.90% | 4,289 |
| Write-in votes | 0.26% | 291 |
| Total Votes | 109,928 | |
Endorsements
Salwan's campaign website listed the following endorsements for 2016:[6]
- U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D)
- State Sen. Bob Wieckowski (D)
- State Rep. Bill Quirk (D)
- State Rep. Kansen Chu (D)
- State Rep. Rob Bonta (D)
- Fremont Mayor Bill Harrison
2014
The city of Fremont, California held elections for city council on November 4, 2014. The candidate filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was August 8, 2014.[7][8]
Rick Jones and Lily Mei defeated incumbent Raj Salwan, Syed Iqbal Ahmed, David Paul Bonaccorsi, Marty Froomin, Nancy Liu, Dirk R. Lorenz and Rakesh Sharma.[9]
| Fremont City Council, 2014 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Lily Mei |
20% | 13,490 | |
| Rick Jones |
18.2% | 12,296 | |
| Raj Salwan Incumbent | 16.9% | 11,428 | |
| Syed Iqbal Ahmed | 1.7% | 1,147 | |
| David Paul Bonaccorsi | 10.4% | 7,024 | |
| Nancy Liu | 6.9% | 4,681 | |
| Dirk R. Lorenz | 14.7% | 9,905 | |
| Rakesh Sharma | 8.6% | 5,778 | |
| Marty Froomin | 2.5% | 1,719 | |
| Write-in | 0.2% | 106 | |
| Total Votes | 45,385 | ||
| Source: Alameda County Board of Elections - 2014 Official Election Results | |||
Campaign themes
2024
Video for Ballotpedia
| Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released October 14, 2024 |
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Raj Salwan completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Salwan's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
| Collapse all
I have served as a Fremont City Councilmember, and during my tenure, I’ve focused on public safety, traffic congestion, and economic growth. I have led efforts to improve infrastructure, support small businesses, and ensure that Fremont remains a welcoming and inclusive community. My background also includes advocacy for responsible development, senior services, and youth programs, always prioritizing the well-being of our residents.
In addition to my public service, I’ve been an active advocate for small businesses. My goal as Mayor is to build on these efforts to foster unity, transparency, and accountability, and to make Fremont one of the best places to live and work for all its residents.
I am proud to have the endorsement of the entire Fremont City Council.- Public Safety First: As Mayor, I will prioritize public safety, making sure our police and fire departments are fully funded and that we have enough officers to serve our large city.
- Reduce HomelessnessI ’m also committed to addressing homelessness, affordable housing, and enhancing infrastructure to improve the overall quality of life for all residents.
- Experience and Collaborative Leadership: I have the most experience of any candidate in this race. I started as a community volunteer working with Abode Services and Kidango
I am deeply passionate about ensuring that Fremont remains a safe place for all residents. I believe in strengthening our public safety infrastructure, hiring more officers, improving officer morale, and making sure our city remains prepared for emergencies.
2. Affordable Housing and Reducing Homelessness
3. Transparent, accountable, and honest government
4. Improving our Quality of Life
5. Economic Development, job creation, and champion small businesses
6. Elevate Fremont w/ premier dining, vibrant entertainment, and exceptional retail
7. Repair pot holes, make street improvements
8. Preserve Fremont’s open spaces, wetlands, and hillsides.
9.Promote Fiscal Responsibility and keepTaxes low
"The Art of Possibility" by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander
One book that resonates with my political philosophy is The Art of Possibility. It focuses on transforming how we approach challenges, not by focusing on limitations, but by seeing possibilities and potential in every situation. This aligns with my belief in collaborative problem-solving and finding innovative solutions for our community.
An elected official must always act with integrity, being transparent and accountable to the people they serve. Making decisions in the public’s best interest, even when it’s challenging, is essential to maintaining trust. I believe in open communication and ensuring that government actions are always clear and accessible to the community.
2. Commitment to Public Service:
Serving the community should always come first. An elected official must prioritize the needs of their constituents, working tirelessly to improve the quality of life for all residents. I am committed to being a public servant who listens to all voices, advocates for fairness, and works to create positive change. I also show up 100% of the time, not just during campaign season. I attend 100% of my meetings including important committee meetings at regional bodies.
Ability to Collaborate:
An elected official must work across political lines and bring people together. Whether it’s collaborating with colleagues, community leaders, or residents, the ability to listen, compromise, and find common ground is crucial. I believe unity and collaboration lead to stronger, more effective governance.
I am great collaborator with our regional leaders at the local, county, state, and federal level. I have the support and endorsement of our entire Fremont City Council, Fremont Police Association, Fremont Firefighters, Business for Good Government, Sierra Club, both County Supervisors and Congressmen for our area. I am also endorsed by all of our regional leaders who trust me to deliver for them.
Vision and Leadership:
Another important quality is my commitment to collaboration. Fremont is a diverse city, and I believe that effective leadership requires working across political lines and bringing people together. Throughout my career, I’ve built strong relationships with community leaders, business owners, and residents from all walks of life. I have a reputation for listening to different perspectives and finding common ground to develop solutions that work for everyone.
I also have a strong sense of accountability and transparency. I believe that elected officials must be accountable to the people they serve. I’ve always been committed to making decisions with integrity, ensuring financial transparency, and keeping the public informed about the actions of our city government. This approach has helped build trust with the community and ensures that I remain focused on the needs and priorities of Fremont’s residents.
In addition to these qualities, I am persistent and results-driven. I don’t shy away from difficult issues, and I’m committed to seeing initiatives through from start to finish. Whether it’s advocating for more police staffing, addressing homelessness, or enhancing our infrastructure, I have the determination and dedication to achieve tangible results that benefit our community.
The Mayor must set a clear vision for the city and work to ensure that it is realized in a way that benefits all residents. This includes being accountable to the people, making transparent decisions, and leading with integrity. The Mayor should foster unity and collaboration, working to represent every corner of the community fairly and equitably.
2. Ensuring Public Safety and Community Well-being:
One of the most important responsibilities of the Mayor is to prioritize public safety. This means working with the police and fire departments to ensure they have the resources and staffing they need to keep the city safe. It also involves addressing homelessness, housing affordability, and other quality of life issues that impact residents’ well-being.
3. Managing City Resources Effectively:
The Mayor must oversee the city’s budget and make responsible financial decisions to ensure that resources are allocated effectively. This includes maintaining and upgrading infrastructure, supporting economic development, and providing essential services without overburdening taxpayers. Fiscal responsibility is key to ensuring that the city remains financially healthy.
4. Advocating for Economic Development and Growth:
The Mayor should champion policies that attract businesses, foster innovation, and create high-quality jobs for residents. Encouraging sustainable growth and economic development is crucial for maintaining Fremont’s prosperity. The Mayor must work with the private sector and public agencies to ensure that the city remains a hub for innovation and opportunity.
5. Representing Fremont on Regional and State Levels:
I also hope to be remembered for driving meaningful progress. Whether it’s reducing homelessness, decreasing crime, improving public safety, or bringing more fine dining, better entertainment, and more fun things to do, I want my legacy to reflect real, tangible improvements in the lives of Fremont’s residents. I’m committed to leaving Fremont better than I found it—stronger, safer, more inclusive, and more vibrant.
At the same time, I want my legacy to reflect a deep commitment to public service. I’ve always believed in leading with integrity, transparency, and a genuine desire to improve the lives of others. I hope to inspire future leaders to continue the work of serving Fremont selflessly and putting the needs of the community first.
Superman’s ability to see things from a broad perspective while still caring deeply about individuals mirrors how I approach public service. His character shows that real strength isn’t just about power, but about standing up for what you believe in, protecting those who can’t protect themselves, and always striving to make the world a better place.
This early hardship taught me resilience and the importance of hard work, but it also inspired my commitment to public service. I’ve dedicated much of my career to advocating for creating opportunities for those who are struggling, because I know firsthand what it’s like to live in uncertainty. These challenges pushed me to work harder and find solutions, both for myself and for my community.
To me, being a mayor means being the voice and advocate for the entire community. It’s about setting a clear vision for the future and bringing people together to make that vision a reality. A mayor must lead with integrity, compassion, and a strong sense of responsibility to serve all residents—regardless of background, political affiliation, or socioeconomic status. It’s about listening to concerns, understanding the challenges faced by the community, and finding solutions that work for everyone.
Leadership means being accessible and responsive. A mayor must be present and engaged, showing up to meetings and representing the community in all forums. Residents need to know that their mayor is not only hearing their concerns but actively working to address them. Being available and listening to all voices is a key part of leadership.
In addition to being responsive, a mayor must be a cheerleader for the city—celebrating its strengths and advocating for new initiatives and opportunities. Pushing for innovative policies, championing economic development, and finding ways to improve the quality of life for all residents are critical responsibilities. A good mayor is always seeking new ways to move the city forward.
A mayor must also lead by example. Whether it’s ensuring financial transparency, being accountable for decisions, or advocating for policies that prioritize public safety, housing, and economic development, the mayor must be the driving force behind these efforts. I believe a great mayor inspires hope, provides clear direction, and motivates others to join in making the city a better place for all.
In a city where the mayor is a member of the city council and a city manager handles day-to-day administration, the mayor’s top priority should be to provide strategic leadership and act as a bridge between the community, the council, and the city administration. The mayor must set a clear vision for the future of the city, working alongside the city manager and council to ensure that policies reflect the needs and priorities of the community.
First and foremost, the mayor should focus on representing the voices of the people, advocating for policies that improve public safety, housing affordability, infrastructure, and overall quality of life. The mayor plays a crucial role in ensuring that the city’s long-term goals align with the needs of its residents, balancing growth with sustainability and maintaining a strong community fabric.
Additionally, the mayor’s role is to foster collaboration and unity on the city council, ensuring that council members work together effectively and harmoniously. By building consensus and working across political divides, the mayor can help ensure that the council’s decisions are in the best interest of the entire community. This includes making sure the city manager has the guidance and support needed to efficiently run city operations while staying accountable to the council and the public.
What I love most about Fremont is its incredible diversity and the strong sense of community that comes with it. Fremont is a place where people from all walks of life, cultures, and backgrounds come together to live, work, and raise their families. Our city’s richness in culture and history has created an environment where different perspectives are celebrated and where unity and collaboration thrive.
I’m also proud of Fremont’s innovative spirit. As a hub for advanced manufacturing, clean technology, and cutting-edge businesses, Fremont embraces progress and creates opportunities for everyone. This forward-thinking mentality, combined with a commitment to sustainability and responsible growth, makes Fremont an exciting and dynamic place to live.
Our beautiful parks and open spaces are another key part of what makes Fremont special. From the rolling hills to the well-maintained city parks, Fremont offers countless opportunities to enjoy nature and outdoor activities. Combined with our excellent schools and a strong commitment to education, Fremont is an ideal place for families to grow and thrive.
As Fremont continues to grow and evolve, several key challenges will shape the city's future. One of the most pressing issues is housing affordability. While Fremont has made strides in creating more housing, we need to ensure that it is affordable and accessible to a wide range of residents, including middle-class families, teachers, first responders, and essential workers. Balancing development with the need for affordable housing, particularly near transit hubs, will be critical to managing the city’s growth sustainably.
Another major challenge is traffic and transportation. As our population increases, so does the strain on our roads and transit systems. We need to focus on upgrading our infrastructure to handle more traffic efficiently and ensure better coordination between public entities for smoother, connected travel. Reducing traffic congestion and vehicle miles traveled will require innovative solutions, such as expanding public transportation and encouraging walkable communities. Additionally, continuing to invest in infrastructure that supports clean transportation, like electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, is key to meeting our sustainability goals.
Addressing homelessness will also be a top priority in the coming years. We need compassionate yet accountable solutions to help those in need while ensuring our streets remain safe and clean. This means investing in mental health and addiction services, as well as creating safe, dignified shelters and interim housing solutions.
Improving quality of life in Fremont is an ongoing goal. We need to continue enhancing the amenities available to residents by expanding entertainment options, attracting more fine dining, and supporting better retail development. Creating spaces for leisure and culture will make Fremont an even more desirable place to live and work.
I believe the ideal relationship between Fremont and the state government should be one of partnership, collaboration, and mutual respect. While the state sets broad policies that impact cities, each city has unique needs and priorities. It’s crucial that the state provides support and resources to help cities like Fremont implement solutions that align with both state goals and local interests.
Fremont should work closely with the state government to secure funding for important initiatives such as affordable housing, transportation infrastructure, and public safety. By partnering on these key issues, we can ensure that Fremont benefits from state programs and resources while addressing local challenges in a way that makes sense for our community.
At the same time, the state should recognize the importance of **local control**. Fremont’s city leaders understand the unique dynamics of our community and are best positioned to make decisions that affect our residents. The state should respect the autonomy of cities to manage local affairs while providing guidance and support when needed.
The ideal relationship between Fremont and the federal government should be one of cooperation, advocacy, and support. The federal government plays a critical role in setting nationwide policies, providing funding, and addressing issues that transcend local and state boundaries, such as infrastructure development, public safety, and environmental protection. For cities like Fremont, it’s important to have a strong partnership with the federal government to ensure that we can access the resources and support needed to address local challenges.
Fremont should actively engage with the federal government to secure funding for key priorities such as affordable housing, transportation infrastructure, clean energy initiatives, and public safety programs. Federal grants and resources can provide essential support for local projects, helping us to improve the quality of life for our residents. This partnership is especially important when it comes to addressing large-scale issues like climate change, where federal support is critical to achieving meaningful progress.
At the same time, Fremont should maintain local autonomy and ensure that federal policies are implemented in ways that respect our community’s unique needs and values. The federal government should work in concert with local officials, recognizing that one-size-fits-all solutions may not always work for every city. Fremont’s leadership understands the day-to-day realities faced by our residents, and it’s important that we have the flexibility to tailor federal policies to our local context.
The ideal relationship between the mayor’s office and law enforcement should be one of collaboration, mutual respect, and accountability. The mayor has a responsibility to ensure public safety, and law enforcement plays a crucial role in maintaining that safety. For the city to thrive, it’s essential that the mayor and law enforcement work together toward the common goal of protecting and serving the community.
First and foremost, the mayor should provide strong leadership and support for law enforcement, ensuring that they have the resources, staffing, and training necessary to perform their duties effectively. This includes advocating for adequate funding, technology, and equipment, while also promoting programs that help boost morale and support the recruitment and retention of officers.
At the same time, the mayor must hold law enforcement accountable to the highest standards of transparency, professionalism, and integrity. This means ensuring that police policies and practices align with the values of the community, emphasizing fairness, respect for civil rights, and community-oriented policing. By fostering accountability, the mayor helps build trust between law enforcement and the public, which is essential for maintaining a safe and supportive environment.
Open communication between the mayor’s office and law enforcement is critical. The mayor should regularly engage with police leadership to stay informed about public safety challenges and work together to develop solutions. This partnership is essential for addressing issues such as crime prevention, response times, and community relations.
San Jose Mercury News/East Bay Times news endorsement
Fremont Firefighters
Fremont Police Association
Business for Good Government
Sierra Club
Congressmember Ro Khanna
Congressmember Eric Swalwell
Supervisor David Haubert
Supervisor Elisa Marquez
FUSD Board President Yajing Zhang
FUSD Board Member Vivek Prasad
FUSD Board Member Larry Sweeney
Alameda Labor Council
I believe that financial transparency and government accountability are fundamental to maintaining the trust of the public. Residents deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent, and it is the responsibility of elected officials to ensure that every dollar is used effectively and responsibly. As a public servant, I have always advocated for clear, transparent budgeting processes and full disclosure of financial decisions.
Transparency in government is key to preventing corruption and mismanagement. That’s why I am committed to providing open access to financial information, encouraging citizen engagement, and holding our government accountable to the highest standards. In Fremont, I’ve worked to make sure our financial decisions are made with input from the community and that we operate with complete integrity.
Accountability means more than just transparency—it also means taking responsibility for the outcomes of decisions. When mistakes are made, we need to be honest with the public and correct course. I believe in regular audits, performance reviews, and public reporting to ensure that government programs and spending are achieving their intended goals.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2020
Raj Salwan did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.
2016
Salwan's campaign website listed the following themes:
| “ |
Fremont gave me the opportunity to go from living in a one bedroom apartment with my parents and two siblings to running a successful business, and serving as a planning commissioner and a Fremont Councilmember. I want to make sure that every Fremont resident has the same opportunities that I had..a safe environment, good schools, affordable housing, a reasonable commute, and good paying jobs. Our city is at a crossroad,and we need to make sure that we preserve the Fremont dream for everyone. We also need to make sure that we promote smart growth so that it benefits our community. I will only do what is best for our beloved city. I pledge to serve ALL Fremont residents and maintain accessibility with top notch constituent services, and responsiveness. These goals require proven leadership – you deserve no less. My experience on the City Council will help me continue to get things done.[10] |
” |
| —Raj Salwan (2016)[11] | ||
See also
2024 Elections
External links
|
Candidate Mayor of Fremont |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Asian Pacific American Democratic Caucus of Alameda County, "2024 Endorsement Questionnaire- General Election," accessed November 21, 2024
- ↑ Office Website, "Biography," accessed August 11, 2014
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 14, 2024
- ↑ City of Fremont, "Election Information," accessed August 13, 2015
- ↑ City of Fremont, California, "Election Information," accessed August 15, 2016
- ↑ Raj Salwan for Fremont City Council, "Endorsements," accessed September 19, 2016
- ↑ City of Fremont, "Election Information," accessed March 10, 2014
- ↑ City of Fremont, "Basic Steps In Running For Office," accessed May 16, 2014
- ↑ Alameda County Registrar of Voters, "2014 Unofficial General Election Results," accessed November 4, 2014
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Raj Salwan for Fremont City Council, "Home," accessed September 19, 2016
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Lily Mei |
Mayor of Fremont 2024-Present |
Succeeded by - |
| Preceded by - |
Fremont City Council District 5 2020-2024 |
Succeeded by Yajing Zhang |
| Preceded by - |
Fremont City Council At-large 2016-2020 |
Succeeded by - |
| Preceded by - |
Fremont City Council 2013-2014 |
Succeeded by - |
| |||||||||
