Harry Bhandari and Sarahana Shrestha Win State Legislative Elections in the United States

Dragon Media News Desk

Nepali-origin politicians Harry Bhandari and Sarahana Shrestha have won state legislative elections in the United States. Both ran as Democratic candidates.

Dr Harry Bhandari won re-election for a third consecutive term in Maryland’s 8th District. First elected in 2018, he became the first Nepali American to serve in a state legislature in the United States. He secured a second term in 2022 and has now won again.

Bhandari has said he prioritises education, public health, infrastructure and employment opportunities for young people in his district. After his victory, he thanked voters for renewing their confidence in him and the Nepali American community.

Sarahana Shrestha was also re-elected in New York State Assembly District 103. She ran with the Democratic and Working Families parties and has focused on climate change, environmental protection, affordable housing and social justice.

Shrestha was first elected in 2022, becoming the first Nepali American to serve in the New York State Assembly. Her latest victory secures a second term.

Nepali American candidate Satish Chapagain lost in Maryland’s 7A District. He advanced to the general election after winning the Democratic primary but was defeated in the two-seat district, where he faced Republican incumbents.

The final result for Bishwabhandar Shah, a Democratic candidate in New Hampshire’s Hillsborough District 41, had not been announced when the report was prepared. The district includes four Manchester wards and elects three representatives. Vote counting was still under way.