Dallas, Texas — With the U.S. election just weeks away, leaders of the Nepali-American community in North Texas are increasingly engaging with candidates and political leaders to raise issues affecting immigrants, working families, and the broader community.

A community discussion and candidate meet-and-greet was held Sunday afternoon at Oakridge Park in Euless, Texas, bringing together Nepali community leaders and candidates seeking elected office. Community leaders, including Prabhat Dixit, Tika Poudel, and Sudip Adhikari, presented a range of contemporary concerns and priorities of the Nepali-American community.

Among the candidates attending was Kevin Burge, a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, CD 24. Burge expressed his condolences over the recent loss of life and widespread damage caused by floods and landslides in Nepal.

Burge said he decided to run for Congress because he believes the Republican Party has not adequately addressed the concerns of lower- and lower-middle-income Americans. Drawing on his military background, he also discussed his experience briefing then-President Joe Biden from the Situation Room/war room during the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Burge also criticized incumbent Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne, alleging that she has prioritized the interests of former President Donald Trump over those of her constituents.

Lydia Bean, a candidate for Tarrant County Clerk, also addressed immigration and local government issues. Bean expressed concern about policies under the Trump administration that she said could potentially affect naturalized citizens and immigrants. Citing her husband’s Hong Kong heritage, she emphasized her commitment to supporting immigrant communities.

Bean, who said she has an academic background in information technology and data, said she is running to improve the efficiency and accessibility of Tarrant County government. She pointed to what she described as disorganized systems and millions of dollars spent on software that has not been effectively implemented, saying she wants to make county services more efficient and resident-focused.

Other candidates participating in the event encouraged eligible voters to participate in the November 3 election, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and participation in the democratic process.

The event provided an opportunity for Nepali-American community leaders to directly communicate their priorities to candidates seeking public office. Issues surrounding immigration, economic opportunity, government efficiency, disaster relief, and the concerns of immigrant families were among the broader themes discussed.

The gathering also reflects the growing civic engagement of the Nepali-American community in North Texas. In recent years, community leaders and organizations have increasingly sought direct dialogue with candidates, elected officials, and other representatives of the American political mainstream.

As the Nepali-American population continues to grow across North Texas, community leaders say such conversations are becoming an increasingly important avenue for ensuring that the community’s perspectives and concerns are heard in the broader political discourse.