In the lead-up to a historic election, the India Currents team worked around the clock to produce Desis On The Ballot, an exhaustive series that introduced readers to 21 South Asian candidates running for office in Bay Area cities.
For most of them, this was their first run for office, and they mounted spirited campaigns to reach voters and make their voices heard. As the dust settles around the elections, we still await definitive results on a few races, but many have already been called.
Win or lose, running for office is a novel experience that most of us don’t get to experience. India Currents decided to put together some of the candidates’ reflections on their campaigns, and their aspirations for the future. Happy reading!
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Nicole Fernandez
San Mateo City Council, District 2, won
“I’m honored to have been elected as the first directly-elected city council person for San Mateo’s District 2 and the first South Asian American/desi to serve as well. This child of Pakistani immigrants is thrilled to represent our community. My campaign was centered around our residents’ needs and safety, and I’m proud that that message connected with voters. Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time, talent and treasure to my campaign, and I look forward to being a councilwoman who is accessible to all San Mateo residents. Let’s do this!”
Satish Chandra
Santa Clara City Council, District 1, lost
“I am still not giving up after my grassroots campaign. Powerful individuals, wielding significant influence over our city, are using their platform to advance their own agenda. I’ve been labeled everything from a far-right extremist to a terrorist simply because of my political beliefs. We cannot allow this cycle of hate and intimidation to continue. Our children deserve better. Our community deserves better. The time to act is now.”
Harbir Kaur Bhatia:
Santa Clara City Council, District 1, lost
“I feel proud of the campaign we ran. The local elections were affected by the national, with noticeably lower turnout in California than the 2020 elections. I ran for City Council to have a greater impact on policy for our residents’ quality of life and a sustainable future. My efforts and initiatives will continue through the chamber (Silicon Valley Central Chamber of Commerce), community leadership, and working with the council. The areas where we need to work on are more civic engagement (especially with the youth), more community development, and a sustainable future. The elected candidate Albert Gonzalez’s campaign platform is very similar to mine. I hope to see us work together in some capacity to meet our goals and create a thriving city that provides a brighter future for all.
Service and working towards betterment for all is in my blood. I am sure there is much more to come. Thank you to India Currents and the readers for taking an interest in my campaign.”
Poornima Gopi
“I ran for office to be more involved with the city and its residents. I realized how complex and challenging it can be, especially for those who may not be tech-savvy. This experience has deepened my desire to connect with and support my city in meaningful ways.
While I didn’t earn an official title this time, I’ve come to see that leadership and engagement aren’t limited to holding a position. I’m already working on initiatives to increase awareness among our youth and young adults about the election process and city government, with the hope that by the next election, we’ll have more accessible resources to help every voter feel informed and empowered. The amount of support I received from Santa Clara residents was truly humbling, from their encouraging messages to the votes I got. For my first campaign, the response has been more than I could have hoped for. Thank you, Santa Clara!”
Pravesh Kumar
Fremont City Council, District 1, lost
“Running for City Council has been an incredibly enriching experience. Throughout the campaign, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with residents from all walks of life, hear their concerns, and discuss the future of Fremont. While this was my first time running, I’m grateful for the support I received and for the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
Looking ahead, I’m dedicated to serving our community in every way possible. I intend to stay actively involved in local issues, champion policies that address our diverse needs, and inspire more community members to engage in the political process. Recently, I applied to join the Senior Citizens Commission, and if appointed, I’m eager to serve our senior residents by understanding their needs and challenges. My goal is to help identify ways the citizens can enhance their quality of life and ensure they feel supported and valued.
