Sukh Kaur and Sanjay Singhal win City Council runoffs in Texas

Two Indian American candidates, Sukh Kaur and Sanjay Singhal, secured major victories in Texas city council elections in San Antonio and Sugarland, marking a milestone in civic engagement and growing political influence of the Indian diaspora across urban Texas.

Dr. Sukh Kaur, a Sikh American and education reform advocate, was re-elected from District 1 council seat in San Antonio defeating challenger Patty Gibbons with a commanding 65% of the vote in the June 7 runoff.

Kaur, a nonprofit leader and policy expert, has been a vocal proponent of affordable housing, safer neighborhoods, and better public transit systems.

“I think we really talked to the community and shared that we want to work,” Kaur said after her win. “And one of the things that we said is District 1 is about preserving our history while still moving our district forward.”

A mother of two, Kaur’s leadership and dedication to inclusive civic growth have earned her widespread support in San Antonio’s diverse District 1.

Kaur was first elected in 2023. Her campaign emphasized improving basic infrastructure, preventing displacement, supporting small businesses, and enhancing neighborhood safety.

“My family immigrated from India when I was young, and like so many other immigrant families, we moved in search of the American Dream,” she wrote on her campaign website.

Recalling her early experiences of discrimination after 9/11, she said they pushed her to work in social justice. A Rice University alumna, Kaur spent 16 years in public education and now runs a nonprofit, EDreimagined, that helps launch innovative school models.

“I am running for re-election to continue advocating for District 1’s diverse needs,” she wrote. “District 1 is the corazon (heart) of San Antonio, and I will keep working to make it a world class city for ALL.”

Meanwhile, Sanjay Singhal, a retired energy executive and graduate of IIT Delhi, emerged victorious in the runoff election for Sugar Land’s District 2 seat.

Facing challenger Nasir Hussain, Singhal won decisively with 2,346 votes to Hussain’s 777, according to unofficial results from Fort Bend County.

“This victory belongs to the residents of District 2,” Singhal said while addressing supporters after his win. “I am deeply grateful for the community’s support and ready to serve with transparency and dedication.”

“Now, it’s time to come together — to put aside our differences — and focus on the work ahead,” he said. “I look forward to collaborating with the new Mayor and City Council to build an efficient, more inclusive and resident-focused Sugar Land for everyone.”

Having lived in Sugar Land for over 30 years with his wife, children, and grandchildren, Singhal’s campaign focused on public safety, infrastructure improvements, and accountable local governance.

His campaign website described him as a “proven leader” in the Telfair Homeowners Association and a strong opponent of a local gas power plant project.

His win highlights the increasing presence and participation of Indian-Americans in local politics—especially in areas like Sugar Land, a Houston suburb known for its significant Indian-origin population.