Indian-origin candidates give a high five to Texas municipal elections

Texas, an American state with a significant Indian-American population, will hold its municipal elections on May 3 (Saturday). There are five Indian-origin candidates who have thrown their hats into the ring. Among them are a psychologist and a former US Air Force Captain.

Some of the five are fighting to get re-elected in Texas, a state with over 450,000 Indian-American people.

Early voting commenced on April 22 and continued until April 30, ahead of Election Day on May 3.

Some of the important points in their portfolios are education, small businesses and advocating civil rights.

SUKH KAUR, GURVINDER SINGH FOR SAN ANTONIO, SACHSE CITY

Sukh Kaur, San Antonio's first South Asian city council member, is seeking re-election. She is up against nine opponents. Kaur is passionate about improving residents' quality of life, focusing on education, economic development, and equity.

Her priorities include infrastructure, public safety, community spaces, small businesses, and affordable housing. With a doctorate from Vanderbilt University and degrees from Rice University, Kaur champions a people-centric local government, striving to build a more equitable San Antonio for all.

Gurvinder Singh is contesting elections for Sachse City Council Place 6. Singh was born to Indian immigrants and has been living in the US for 11 years.

According to Indian American Impact, an organisation representing Indian and South American communities, Gurvinder is a global humanitarian and dedicated civil rights advocate.

"I’m running for Sachse City Council Place 6. My agenda is simple: to listen, to lead, and to fight for the needs of our community. I’m ready to advocate for you. Vote early April 22–29 or on May 3," Gurvinder said in a social media post on Instagram.

"My key experiences included investing and managing businesses and developments, so one of my priorities is ensuring that Sachse is economically competitive with opportunities for diverse businesses to create jobs and grow," he said in a campaign post.

Singh is up against incumbent Matt Prestenberg.

MORE INDIAN-ORIGIN PEOPLE CONTESTING THE CIVIC POLLS

Former US Air Force captain George M Kakkanatt is in the civil polls too.

She is contesting the election for Sugar Land City Council, District 2. A licenced psychologist and psychotherapist, Kakkanatt champions mental health and social justice.

As the founding president of the South Indian US Chamber of Commerce and a Fort Bend Chamber member, he promotes economic growth and supports local businesses, The Times of India reported.

Sanjay Singhal is running for Sugar Land City Council, District 2. Singhal has been living in Sugar Land for more than 10 years.

He has been actively engaged in local initiatives aimed at improving residents' well-being. He has been actively engaged in local initiatives aimed at improving residents' well-being.

His campaign priorities include keeping neighbourhoods safe, investing in future infrastructure, ensuring smart, responsible spending to keep taxes low, and keeping city government transparent and accountable, TOI reported.

Sapana Patel, a seasoned two-term Planning and Zoning Commissioner, is now seeking to represent District 4 on the Sugar Land City Council.

Patel has led community efforts to protect neighborhoods from high-density development. A top-producing realtor and mentor, she holds degrees in accounting and marketing from Houston Baptist University.

Muzaffar Vohra is vying for Sugar Land City Council. He has been living in Sugar Land for 21 years.

Muzaffar vows to tackle issues like traffic congestion, support first responders, and bring people together to build a stronger, safer, and more inclusive Sugar Land.

Vohra, a graduate in law, is a small business owner.

AFSHI CHARANIA RUNS FOR FBISD SCHOOL BOARD

Besides, Fort Bend Independent School District (FBISD) will hold its Board of Trustees General Election on the same day.

Indian-origin Afshi Charania is up against incumbent Rick Garcia for FBISD School Board.

A long-time Fort Bend resident, small business owner, and community leader, Afshi will fight for fiscal responsibility, student wellness, and school board decisions that serve all families—equitably and transparently, according to Indian American Impact.