Somnath’s Candidacy and the Electoral Atmosphere in New York
Somnath Ghimire’s candidacy in New York’s Assembly District 30 has energized the Nepali community. A longtime social worker and businessman, he aims to uplift Nepalis, promote unity, and address community issues through active political participation.
With Somnath Ghimire announcing his candidacy in the Democratic primary for the upcoming election of New York State Assembly District 30, excitement and discussion have grown among the Nepali community living in the United States. The slogan “This time a Nepali, always a Nepali” is now widely resonating among Nepalis in New York.
Ghimire, who moved to the United States from Nepal nearly three decades ago, has built his identity through social service despite many ups and downs in life. Professionally a businessman, he has been actively supporting immigrant communities, especially those residing in New York City.
He has consistently worked for the rights and welfare of Nepalis living in the U.S. and has received recognition in various fields, including human rights. He has also served in a leadership role as the President of the U.S. chapter of the Girija Prasad Foundation.
Speaking about his candidacy, Ghimire said, “I decided to run to uplift middle-class Nepalis in America, address the challenges they face, and empower the community.” He identifies with democratic ideals and mentions that he has been influenced by the leadership and speaking style of former U.S. President Barack Obama.
According to him, while America is a land of opportunity, political participation is equally important. “After achieving economic stability, I felt a responsibility to contribute politically to the community, which brought me to this point,” he said.
Ghimire shared that he spent the first decade of his life in the U.S. building personal stability, and the following two decades serving the Nepali community. He claims to have provided selfless support to many Nepalis.
He believes that the strong democratic system in the U.S. allows individuals to gradually rise in politics from the grassroots level. “As the son of an ordinary Nepali, I had never imagined I could advance in American politics like this,” he said. “But time, dedication, and hard work make everything possible.”
Somnath’s Profile
He also pointed out that the reality of Nepalis living in the U.S. is not as easy as it appears from the outside. He noted that the younger generation faces challenges due to a lack of guidance, although he believes the situation is gradually improving.
As the first candidate representing the Nepali community from New York, Ghimire emphasized the need for unity within the community. “If we are not united, it could send the wrong message to other communities,” he said. He recalled an incident during his college years when a professor referred to Nepal as a province of India, which deeply impacted him. In response, he has been involved in various awareness campaigns.
If elected, Ghimire plans to address the issues faced by Nepalis in New York, introduce necessary legislation, and systematically collect community data to inform policymaking. He expressed confidence that he will receive strong support from the Nepali community in the upcoming election.
