SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Diya TV) — Two Indian Americans, Dr. Sukh Kaur and Sanjay Singhal, have secured victories in their respective runoff races for city council seats in Texas, making strides in civic representation in San Antonio and Sugar Land.
In San Antonio’s District 1, Dr. Sukh Kaur, a Sikh American and the first South Asian to serve on the city council, won re-election after defeating challenger Patty Gibbons in the June 7 runoff. Kaur, originally elected in 2023, ran on a platform centered around infrastructure improvements, anti-displacement efforts, small business support, and neighborhood safety.
“My family immigrated from India when I was young, and like so many other immigrant families, we moved in search of the American Dream,” Kaur wrote on her campaign website. A graduate of Rice University, she worked in public education for 16 years before founding EDreimagined, a nonprofit focused on launching innovative school models.
Kaur described her upbringing and the discrimination she faced in the post-9/11 era as pivotal to her commitment to social justice. “District 1 is the corazon (heart) of San Antonio,” she said. “I will keep working to make it a world-class city for all.”
Her campaign emphasized grassroots engagement and a vision for a more equitable local government. “I am running for re-election to continue advocating for District 1’s diverse needs,” Kaur said in a statement following her victory.
Meanwhile, in Sugar Land’s District 2, Sanjay Singhal emerged victorious over fellow Indian American candidate Nasir Hussain in a closely watched runoff. Singhal, a retired energy executive and graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, ran on a message of sustainable growth, civic transparency, and public safety.
Known for his leadership in the Telfair Homeowners Association, Singhal gained traction in the community for his strong opposition to a proposed local gas power plant project. His campaign website described him as a “proven leader” committed to preserving the quality of life in one of Sugar Land’s most rapidly growing areas.
“I am deeply honored and grateful to have earned the trust of District 2 residents to serve as your next City Councilmember,” Singhal said in a statement. He thanked his family, volunteers, and supporters, adding, “This victory belongs to all of us.”
Following his win, Singhal called for unity and collaboration, stating, “Now, it’s time to come together — to put aside our differences — and focus on the work ahead. I look forward to collaborating with the new Mayor and City Council to build an efficient, more inclusive, and resident-focused Sugar Land for everyone.”
Adding to the city’s new leadership, Carol McCutcheon was elected as Mayor of Sugar Land, a city notable for its large Indian-origin population.
The wins for Kaur and Singhal mark significant milestones for South Asian representation in local Texas politics. Both victories reflect the growing civic engagement of Indian Americans and their expanding influence in local governance.
