Indian American Mickey Hothi Becomes First Sikh Mayor of Lodi in Central California
- He served as vice mayor this past year under mayor Mark Chandler, who announced last summer he would not seek re-election.
A young Indian American lawmaker made history last week by becoming the first Sikh mayor of Lodi in Central California. Mickey Hothi, a city councilman since 2020, was unanimously selected on Dec. 23 to lead the city. He represents the council’s fifth district and served as vice mayor this past year under mayor Mark Chandler, who announced last summer he would not seek re-election.
The Lodi native was nominated by newly-elected councilwoman Lisa Craig, who won election to Chandler’s seat in November and was unanimously selected vice mayor, as reported by Lodi News-Sentinel.
After graduating from Tokay High School and graduating with a BA in political science from UCLA, “Hothi has devoted his career to making Lodi a better place to live, according to his website. During his time on the council, he has been working to bring good jobs, small businesses, and agricultural tourism to our community, his website adds.
After his selection, the Lodi native whose parents are from Punjab gave a shoutout to his family. Growing up in Lodi was a challenge, particularly after 9/11, he said, per the Lodi News-Sentinel report. But his family not only survived but thrived in Lodi. “Our experience is similar to that of the Hispanic community that came before us, the Greek community, the Germans,” he said.
“Everyone came to Lodi because they realized it was a safe family town. (It has) great education, great people, great culture, great values, and just hard-working people in this town. I’m just proud to represent this community as its next mayor.”
His family was also instrumental in founding the Sikh temple on Armstrong Road, he said.