Who is Raj Salwan?
Councilmember Raj Salwan grew up in Fremont. He went to Vallejo Mill Elementary School; University of California, Irvine to study Biological Sciences, and has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from School of Veterinary Medicine at Tuskegee University.
A veterinarian by profession, Salwan runs a veterinary hospital in Fremont and has been active in the local business community for years.
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Why he is running for office
Salwan has been a vocal proponent of infrastructure improvements, ensuring public safety, and addressing Fremont’s affordable housing challenges.
He has been a part of the city government in various capacities for over 18 years, including Councilmember of Fremont and two-time Vice Mayor, Human Relations Commissioner, Alternate representative for City of Fremont, Alameda County Transportation Commission, Member, and past Chair, Southern Alameda County GIS Authority Conference Member at Large, Fremont representative on East Bay League of Cities Board.
Priorities
According to Salwan’s website, addressing homelessness, rising crime rates and public safety concerns and traffic gridlock are among the top priorities, as these are some of the most pressing issues of the city.
Challenges
His campaign faces challenges due to allegations surrounding his rental property management and family-owned veterinary hospital. There have been concerns raised about the condition of some of his rental properties — lawsuits alleging chronic cockroach infestations and poor conditions— and state violations and fines at his veterinary clinic.