Nepalism Endorsement: Why the Nepali American Community Must Support Somnath Ghimire for NYS Assembly District 30
- Nepalism.com
- Jun 1
- 4 min read
A Historic Moment for the Nepali American Diaspora
Exclusive: The Nepali American community has long been a quietly powerful force in the fabric of American civic life — hardworking, resilient, and deeply rooted in values of family, service, and democracy. Now, for the first time, we have a candidate who doesn't just know our story — he lived it. Nepalism.com proudly endorses Mr. Somnath Ghimire for New York State Assembly, District 30 — a grassroots leader, a community guardian, and the voice our diaspora has long deserved in the halls of Albany.
Know Our Numbers — Know Our Power
For too long, the Nepali American community has been undercounted, underrepresented, and underestimated. The reality, however, tells a different story.
While community estimates place the Nepali American diaspora at half a million strong across the United States, even the more conservative figures from Pew Research Center's analysis of the 2021–23 American Community Survey demand attention:
225,000 Americans identify as Nepalese alone — a 24% increase since 2019
New York is home to 19,000 Nepali Americans, making it the second-largest state population after Texas (35,000)
The New York Metro Area hosts 18,000 Nepali Americans — the second-largest metro concentration in the nation
These are not just statistics. These are neighbors, workers, parents, students, and voters. And in a competitive district like Assembly District 30 in Queens, our numbers matter — and our vote can decide this race.
From the Streets of Biratnagar to the Halls of Albany
Mr. Somnath Ghimire's journey is not a political story — it is a people's story.
In 1988, as a young man in Biratnagar, Nepal, Somnath marched under the four-star flag, risking everything to demand democracy. He was a frontline participant in the historic 1990 People's Movement (Jana Andolan, 2046 B.S.) — a formative experience that instilled in him a lifelong conviction: real change requires both courage and community.
In 1996, he arrived in America as a student with little more than ambition and principle. What followed was not just the building of a personal life, but the deliberate, decades-long construction of a community.
"Dreams have no boundaries — and Somnath Ghimire is living proof."
For nearly 30 years, Woodside, Queens has been his home — and he has repaid that community with unwavering service, available not just on election day, but every single day.
A Record Built on Action, Not Promises
Mr. Somnath Ghimire does not ask for trust — he has already earned it. His leadership résumé reflects a man who serves before he seeks:
President, Jackson Heights Chapter — ASAAL (Alliance of South Asian American Labor)
NYS Director — South Asians for America (SAFA)
Founder & President — GPK Foundation America
His impact during the COVID-19 pandemic alone speaks volumes: at a time when Queens was the epicenter of the global crisis, Somnath stood on the front lines — distributing over 55,000 meals and critical medical supplies to families in desperate need. No headlines required. No political calculation. Just service.
He has been a consistent champion for:
Workers' Rights — defending the dignity of taxi drivers, street vendors, delivery workers, and laborers who are the backbone of New York City
Youth & Education — serving as a mentor, guardian, and guide for students and newly arrived immigrants, often reachable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Humanitarian Aid — building networks of care that reach across language barriers and cultural boundaries
Why Assembly District 30 — and Why Now?
New York’s Queens is one of the most ethnically diverse places on Earth. Assembly District 30 — spanning Woodside, Jackson Heights, and surrounding neighborhoods — is a microcosm of that diversity. It is a district that deserves representation that genuinely reflects its people.
Somnath Ghimire is running to convert the "Unity in Diversity" of Queens from a slogan into real legislative power. His platform is grounded in the everyday concerns of working families:
Fair Housing That Protects Tenants and Supports Responsible Landlords
Somnath will fight to protect renters from exploitation and predatory practices while preserving quality, affordable housing — ensuring that no family is pushed out of the neighborhood they built.
Safer Streets and Subways
A commitment to smarter public safety — stronger community policing, improved lighting, and modern infrastructure — so that every resident, at every hour, feels secure in their neighborhood and commute.
Bringing Albany's Dollars Back to District 30
Somnath will be an aggressive advocate for increased state funding for local schools, healthcare, sanitation, and community services — ensuring that the district receives the resources Albany owes it.
Mental Health Support & Accessible Healthcare
Recognizing the unique stressors faced by immigrant communities, Somnath will prioritize expanding access to culturally competent mental health services and affordable healthcare options.
Worker Protections & Small Business Survival
From mom-and-pop shops to independent contractors, Somnath understands the lifeblood of Queens' economy — and he will fight to protect it at the state level.
A Message to the Nepali American Community
We are half a million strong. We are growing. We are contributing to every sector of American life — medicine, education, transportation, hospitality, technology, and public service. And yet, our political representation has not kept pace with our presence.
Somnath Ghimire changes that.
He is not a career politician looking for a stepping stone. He is a community servant stepping forward at the right moment, for the right reasons, in the right place.
The Nepali American community of New York — and indeed across the nation — has a rare opportunity: to send one of our own to the New York State Assembly. This is not just a local race. It is a milestone for our entire diaspora.
Cast Your Support — Make History
Nepalism.com calls on every Nepali American in District 30 to register, mobilize, and vote. We call on every supporter of immigrant rights, workers' dignity, and community-driven leadership to stand with Mr. Somnath Ghimire.
And we call on Somnath himself: we see you, we stand with you, and we are proud to endorse you.
Learn more and get involved: www.somnathforny.com
Nepalism.com is the leading Nepali American digital media platform, dedicated to connecting the Nepali diaspora with the news, culture, and stories that matter — from the hills of Nepal to the streets of New York and beyond.
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