Representative Ravinder Bhalla

Ravinder Bhalla is a member of the Democratic Party and currently serves in the New Jersey General Assembly, representing District 32. He assumed office on January 13, 2026, and his current term will conclude on January 11, 2028.

Bhalla won his seat in the general election held on November 4, 2025, after serving as the Mayor of Hoboken from 2018 to 2026, marking a significant transition from municipal leadership to state-level governance.

Born on May 10, 1973, in Passaic, New Jersey, Bhalla grew up in a Sikh family that instilled in him values of service and community engagement. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, followed by a master’s degree from the London School of Economics, and later completed his Juris Doctor at Tulane University School of Law. His academic journey provided him with a strong foundation in law, economics, and public policy, equipping him to navigate complex issues in both legal practice and political leadership.

Professionally, Bhalla built a career as a civil rights lawyer, advocating for fairness, equality, and justice. His legal work focused on protecting the rights of marginalized communities and addressing systemic inequities, which shaped his political priorities. In 2017, he was elected as the 39th Mayor of Hoboken, becoming the first Sikh mayor in New Jersey and one of the few Sikh mayors in the United States. His tenure as mayor was marked by initiatives to improve infrastructure, expand affordable housing, and address climate change, as well as efforts to enhance transparency and accountability in local government.

Bhalla’s leadership in Hoboken earned him recognition for his progressive vision and hands-on approach to governance. He championed policies that strengthened public safety, improved public schools, and promoted sustainability, while also navigating challenges such as urban development and flooding risks. His ability to balance local concerns with broader policy goals positioned him as a respected leader within New Jersey politics. His decision to run for the General Assembly in 2025 reflected his desire to bring his experience and values to the state level, advocating for working families and ensuring that New Jersey remains a place where diverse communities can thrive.

As a legislator, Bhalla has emphasized priorities such as education, healthcare, affordable housing, and environmental protection. Representing District 32, which includes parts of Hudson County, he has focused on issues that resonate with urban communities while contributing to statewide legislative efforts. His background as both a civil rights lawyer and mayor provides him with a unique perspective on policymaking, combining grassroots advocacy with executive leadership experience.

Bhalla’s trajectory from attorney to mayor and now Assemblyman illustrates a career rooted in public service, civic responsibility, and a commitment to inclusivity. His current term through 2028 offers him the opportunity to further advance his legislative priorities and strengthen his role as a progressive voice in the New Jersey General Assembly. As he continues his tenure, Bhalla remains dedicated to ensuring that the voices of his constituents are represented in state policymaking and that government policies promote fairness, opportunity, and sustainability for all residents.