May 19, 2023
2 mins read

Indian-origin wins Dem nomination for top post in Montgomery

If elected, Makhija, along with other commissioners, will be tasked with managing a budget greater than $500 million…reports Asian Lite News

Indian-American attorney and educator Neil Makhija has won the Democratic nomination for Montgomery County Commissioner, thus inching closer to becoming the first Asian-American to hold the top post in Pennsylvania state.

Makhija had thrown his hat in the ring for the primary election on Tuesday for Commissioner of Montgomery County, which has one of the largest Asian-American populations in Pennsylvania.

“It’s official! Our underdog campaign succeeded and I have officially won the Democratic nomination for Montgomery County Commissioner,” Makhija took to his Twitter to share the news on Wednesday.

“None of this would have happened without my incredible team + supporters, and for that I am immeasurably grateful. Together, we made history,” he tweeted.

Makhija, who belongs to a Sindhi family from India, will now be competing in the November general election to determine control of the three-member Board of Commissioners in Pennsylvania’s third largest county with over 865,000 people.

If elected, the 36-year-old election law professor at the University of Pennsylvania would be the first South Asian member to serve for the position left open by outgoing commissioner Valerie Arkoosh.

“Congratulations to my friend, @NeilMakhija, on becoming the Democratic nominee for Montgomery County (PA) Commissioner!,” Aruna Miller, Maryland’s first Indian-American Lieutenant Governor, tweeted.

In an email to his supporters, a victorious Makhija said his campaign “inspired a new and diverse coalition of voters to turn out to vote in every corner of the county”.

Montgomery County Commission is the governing body of Montgomery County, consisting of five members who are elected by districts.

Each Commissioner is elected to a four-year term and represents approximately 45,000 constituents.

The Montgomery County Commission’s responsibilities include control of all county public funds, adoption of an annual budget reflecting anticipated income and expenses (by law, expenditures cannot exceed revenue received).

If elected, Makhija, along with other commissioners, will be tasked with managing a budget greater than $500 million and 3,000 employees including elections, courts, district attorney’s office, public health departments and public infrastructure.

The commissioners will also oversee administration of the 2024 presidential election, which is expected to put local election officials in the spotlight in battleground Pennsylvania.

Makhija worked at the White House, Senate, and earned his JD at Harvard Law School on the Horace Lentz Scholarship.

As the son of Indian immigrants, the Pennsylvania native is passionate about enfranchising underrepresented communities and engaging new citizens in state and local politics.

ALSO READ: Biden to consult with Kishida ahead of G7 summit

Previous Story

Hamdan, Maktoum briefed on Emirates’ future plans

Next Story

Alarming Study: New York sinking from skyscrapers’ weight

Latest from -Top News

India-US Trade Talks Go Down to the Wire

The Indian trade negotiators have extended their stay in US, signalling a last-minute push to iron out key differences….reports Asian Lite News With the US tariff deadline fast approaching, Indian and American

Extreme Heat Chokes Europe

Although over 80 countries have developed national drought plans, the UNCCD warns that implementation remains a major gap…reports Asian Lite News Large swathes of Europe are being scorched by extreme heat and

Rashid Khan Condemns Taliban Education Clampdown

While advocating for women’s education, Rashid also highlighted the importance of trained healthcare professionals, especially for women….reports Asian Lite News Rashid Khan, one of Afghanistan’s most prominent cricketers, has publicly condemned the

Pakistani Handles Banned Again in India

The move comes in continuation of India’s escalating digital and diplomatic restrictions against Pakistan…reports Asian Lite News All Pakistani accounts on X have once again been blocked in India, after briefly becoming
Go toTop

Don't Miss

What Went Wrong With Men in Blue?

Cricket is very much of a mind game and with

Mass vaccination sites are back in US

Many states shifted to smaller, more-targeted inoculation efforts after demand