South Asian Officials Mobilize Civic Engagement in Texas
DALLAS — In a significant push for civic engagement, South Asian elected officials in Texas are rallying their rapidly expanding communities to participate more actively in the political landscape. Representing the fastest-growing minority group in the state, three elected officials — Saji George, mayor of Sunnyvale; Elizabeth Abraham, council member of Murphy; and Tony Singh, city council member of Little Elm — have become advocates for this cause.
Saji George, now serving his fifth term, emphasizes the untapped political power within the South Asian community. “So we wield all this power we don’t use,” said Chanda Parbhoo from the SAAVETX Education Fund, which aims to amplify the voices of South Asian Americans through education and engagement. The group’s efforts are yielding results, with an increasing number of South Asians running for office.
Having entered politics through community service, these officials stress the importance of grassroots involvement. Elizabeth Abraham, who faced tough electoral challenges in her early political career, sees her role as a source of inspiration for young women, including her two daughters.
Tony Singh highlights the importance of connecting with the diverse electorate in his area, stating, “You represent everybody.” He believes that active participation in politics ensures representation at the decision-making table. The community’s growing presence is evident, with Frisco alone having seven South Asians on ballots in recent elections.
While awareness and representation are climbing, Parbhoo warns against simplifying the South Asian voting bloc, stressing that identity alone does not guarantee electoral support.
As civic engagement continues to evolve in North Texas, these officials serve as beacons of hope and advocates for a more inclusive political future.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
