“I remember my own past—when I first stood for election, that time was very challenging and difficult. But gradually, educational, legal, linguistic and political adjustment took place. Today, many friends have come forward and are representing at the local level. This has a direct impact. Becoming a ‘role model’ for society is very important.”
BALTIMORE:- Nepali-American Dr. Harry Bhandari has won the Democratic primary for Maryland’s District 8 state house. Bhandari, who entered the fray as an incumbent candidate, won first place with 4,128 votes. However, all votes have yet to be counted and a formal announcement has yet to be made. He will now face the Republican nominee in the final election in November. If he wins in November, he will represent the Maryland state house for the third time.
Bhandari made history in 2018 by becoming the first Nepali-American state legislator in Maryland. He has consistently advocated for education reform, expanded access to healthcare, and issues affecting workers and working-class families. Through continuous engagement with the community and active participation in policymaking, he has established himself as an experienced and influential leader.
Dr. Bhandari said, “This district was a very challenging area. I flipped it in 12 years. I have been working hard to connect with the people in this district. I worked hard to make it ‘blue’. I would like to thank all the voters, volunteers, family members and the Nepali American community for their initial support. The ‘mail-in’ ballots are still being counted. Out of respect for my competitors, I do not want to declare myself the winner until all the votes are counted.”
“This is a testament not only to me but also to the strength of the community, the contributions of immigrants, and the commitment to public service. Even though the Nepali community here numbers only in the hundreds, the general public in this area has given me full support. As we move towards the general elections in November, I want to strengthen my resolve to serve the people and build on their trust. I will continue to work hard. With the motto that Nepalis around the world are our brothers, I will always be ready to support Nepalis in any country, wherever they may be, in any situation,” Dr. Bhandari said.
Regarding the Nepali community’s journey to the political mainstream, Dr. Bhandari says, “Although the Nepali American community in America is numerically small, it is the fastest growing immigrant community here. Most of us Nepalis came here with a beautiful dream—some may have an education, some may have an opportunity, some may have a dream of freedom. But the common and main goal for all of us is a bright future for our families.”
Clarifying that becoming a part of America means participating in its democratic process, he added, “Only when Nepalis vote, organize, volunteer, and run for office does our community become visible in society and our presence felt. Our voices will be heard on every issue affecting our daily lives—from education, small business, immigration, healthcare, public safety, housing, and language access to opportunities for our children—only then.”
Explaining political representation as a means of opening doors for the next generation, Dr. Bhandari recalls his past, “I remember my own past—when I first stood for election, that time was very challenging and difficult. But gradually, educational, legal, linguistic and political adjustment took place. Today, many friends have come forward and are representing at the local level. This has a direct impact. Becoming a ‘role model’ for society is very important.”
Noting that they are not merely guests in this country but contributors—serving as taxpayers, parents, workers, teachers, entrepreneurs, and public servants—Dr. Bhandari articulated the importance of mainstream politics: “Mainstream politics is crucial because it is the arena where the country’s laws, budget, policies, and the allocation of resources are determined. If we want our community’s needs and concerns to be respected, we must participate fully.”
From a government school in Parbat to a high position in the US state legislature, Dr. Harry Bhandari’s life journey is a living document of tireless hard work, determination, and unwavering confidence. Born into a simple farming family in the hilly district of Parbat, Bhandari spent his childhood on the hillsides and paths of his village.
For Bhandari, who arrived in the US in 2005, settling into a new country was like climbing a steep hill. In the early days, he worked all night at a gas station to make ends meet, but because he was clear about his goals, he never felt inferior even in that difficult job. Instead, he used the quiet time at the gas station at night to write poetry and create.
After establishing himself in the teaching profession and obtaining U.S. citizenship in 2011, Bhandari became drawn to American politics. He entered the political arena with the firm conviction that the rights, interests, language, culture, and identity of the immigrant Nepali community could not be safeguarded unless they integrated into the mainstream of American society. Despite the bitter taste of defeat in the primary election, he continued to work from door to door, adopting the motto, “Victory belongs to those who are willing to accept defeat.” Finally, in 2018, he became the first Nepali American to reach the US state legislature by registering a historic victory in the Maryland House of Delegates from District 8.
Dr. Bhandari, who took the oath of office in the US Congress with the Hindu scripture ‘Vedas’ as a witness, has always held his ancestral history and Nepali identity in high regard. He criticizes the tendency of some young people who have graduated from private colleges in Nepal to stay in their comfort zone and says that it takes determination to use their abilities in the right place. Stating that he is proud to be a Nepali American politician, he expresses his commitment to always be ready to help Nepalis in distress wherever they are and in any country around the world.