From Nepal to American state legislatures, three Nepali-origin candidates have secured victories in the November 3, 2026, midterm elections, marking another milestone for the Nepali American community.

Three Nepali Americans — Dr. Harry Bhandari, Sarahana Shrestha, and Bishwa Bahadur Shah — have won seats in state legislatures across Maryland, New York, and New Hampshire.

All three contested as Democratic Party candidates. While Bhandari and Shrestha secured their third terms, Shah achieved his first legislative victory.

Their success highlights the expanding participation of Nepali Americans in the U.S. political system.

1. Dr. Harry Bhandari — Maryland

A former Nepali educator serving his third term in American politics

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Dr. Harry Bhandari won re-election to the Maryland House of Delegates from District 8 in Baltimore County, receiving approximately 19,530 votes in preliminary results.

Originally from Nepal's Parbat district, Bhandari immigrated to the United States in 2005. Before entering American politics, he worked as a teacher and school principal in Nepal.

His political journey reached a historic milestone in 2018 when he became the first person of Nepali origin elected to a U.S. state legislature.

Re-elected in 2022 and again in 2026, Bhandari has worked on issues involving education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and immigrant communities.

He also helped advance Maryland's official recognition of Dashain Day, bringing a significant Nepali cultural celebration into state legislation.

2. Sarahana Shrestha — New York

From Kathmandu to the New York State Assembly

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Sarahana Shrestha won her third term representing New York's 103rd Assembly District, defeating Republican candidate Santos Lopez.

Shrestha received approximately 69% of the vote, according to preliminary election reporting.

Born and raised in Kathmandu, she moved to the United States as a student in 2001.

Before entering politics, she worked as a graphic designer and climate activist, advocating for environmental protection and clean energy.

In 2022, she became the first woman of Nepali origin elected to a U.S. state legislature.

Her legislative priorities include affordable housing, healthcare, environmental protection, public education, and workers' rights.

Her continued electoral success illustrates how an immigrant from Nepal can build a sustained career in American public service.

3. Bishwa Bahadur Shah — New Hampshire

A former Nepali Army member enters American state politics

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Bishwa Bahadur Shah secured his first victory in the New Hampshire House of Representatives, representing Hillsborough County District 41.

He received approximately 5,726 votes, finishing third in a district that elects three representatives.

Shah served in the Nepali Army for approximately 15 years before moving to the United States in 2002.

His American journey has included journalism, small-business ownership, and work as a home care provider.

His campaign focused on improving public education, making healthcare and childcare more affordable, addressing housing costs, and supporting senior citizens.

His election brings Nepali-origin representation to the New Hampshire state legislature.

Not Every Nepali Candidate Won

Two other Nepali-origin candidates were unsuccessful.

Satish Chapagain, who contested Maryland's District 7A, lost to Republican candidates Ryan Nawrocki and Kathy Szeliga.

Ricky Gurung, running in New Hampshire's Merrimack County District 10, also fell short.

Their participation nevertheless adds to the broader story of Nepali Americans becoming involved in electoral politics.

There was also another notable victory within the wider Nepali-speaking community. Mitra Subedi, a Bhutanese American of Nepali-speaking heritage, won a seat in Kentucky's House District 30. His victory brings the number of elected state legislators from the broader Nepali-speaking community in these races to four.

Why Should Nepali Americans Care?

For many Nepalis who immigrated to America, the initial priorities were education, employment, financial stability, and establishing a better future for their families.

But as the community grows, political participation is becoming another important dimension of the Nepali American experience.

State legislators influence decisions affecting everyday life, including:

• Public school funding and higher education
• Healthcare access and affordability
• Housing and rental policies
• Employment and business regulations
• State budgets and public services

Having elected representatives of Nepali origin does not automatically mean that every Nepali American concern will be addressed. These lawmakers represent everyone in their districts, regardless of background.

However, their presence creates additional opportunities for the experiences of immigrant communities to be understood within the legislative process.

From Immigrants to Lawmakers: A Changing Story

The victories of Bhandari, Shrestha, and Shah represent three different journeys.

One began as an educator in Nepal. Another arrived as a student and became an environmental activist. The third served in the Nepali Army before building a new life in America.

Today, all three have earned positions in American state legislatures through elections.

Their stories demonstrate that Nepali Americans are participating not only in the country's workforce, businesses, and universities but also in its democratic institutions.

The Nepali American story is increasingly becoming one of political participation and representation, alongside immigration and economic opportunity.

As the next generation grows up in the United States, an interesting question emerges:

Could we eventually see a Nepali American elected to the U.S. Congress, serve as a governor, or seek even higher national office?

For now, the November 2026 elections mark another chapter in the community's political journey.

What do you think? Should more Nepali Americans consider entering public service and politics? Share your thoughts on Sajha.