Nepali American lawmaker Sarahana Shrestha has been re-elected to her second term in the New York State Assembly, representing District 103. With this win, Shrestha—who is the first and only Nepali American woman lawmaker in any U.S. state legislature—marks a significant milestone for the Nepali American community in American politics.
Shrestha initially made history in 2022 as the first Nepali American to serve in the New York State Assembly. Her first two-year term was set to end on January 1, 2025, but her re-election now extends her term until January 1, 2027.
In the 2022 election, she received 36,605 votes. In this election, with 65% of the votes counted, she secured 32,798 votes, amounting to 64% of the total counted votes.
It’s been a brutal year, but tonight we celebrated the power of coming together, of finding community in organizing, and the work ahead to build a true democracy.
Organize with us at @mhvdsa https://t.co/rFuyt671kA pic.twitter.com/JUFc8rUwJu
— Sarahana Shrestha (@sarahana) November 6, 2024
Reflecting on her victory, she tweeted, “It’s been a brutal year, but tonight we celebrated the power of coming together, of finding community in organizing, and the work ahead to build a true democracy.” She also encouraged continued engagement with the Mid-Hudson Valley Democratic Socialists of America.
Shrestha gained widespread recognition in 2022 by defeating longtime Democratic incumbent Kevin Cahill in the primaries. Cahill had represented New York’s lower house for 13 terms, including one in 1993. Shrestha, who became a U.S. citizen in 2019, won her primary with 7,907 votes and went on to defeat Gabi Madden with 9,219 votes in the 2024 primary election. Originally arriving in New York in 2001 to study, she achieved U.S. citizenship in 2019.
Known for her advocacy on climate issues, as well as economic and social justice, Shrestha represents Ulster and Dutchess counties. Her campaign received notable support from U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Sarahana Shrestha was born in Kathmandu, Nepal, and lives in Esopus, New York. Shrestha studied computer graphics. Her career experience includes working as a graphic designer. Shrestha became the Ulster County co-chair for the Mid-Hudson Valley chapter of Democratic Socialists of America and a lead campaigner with the statewide Public Power NY coalition.
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Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
