Diplomat Correspondent
Harry Bhandari, a notable Nepali-American state legislator, has officially declared his candidacy for a seat in the U.S. federal parliament. Currently, in his second term as the state representative of Maryland, Bhandari is now aspiring to transition to the lower house of the United States Congress.
Having served as a Maryland state lawmaker since 2019, Bhandari announced his candidacy for the Democratic Party on May 14. His decision to enter the race follows the announcement by the incumbent, 78-year-old MP Dutch Ruppersberger, that he will not seek re-election after representing Maryland’s Second District for 11 terms.
Bhandari’s political journey to Capitol Hill is anticipated to be favorable, given the Democratic stronghold in the district. The primary election, a pivotal step in the process, will determine the official Democratic nominee. Federal parliamentary elections in the United States are scheduled for November.
If successful in both the primary and general elections, Bhandari would secure a seat as a Congressman in the lower house of the U.S. federal parliament. However, an unsuccessful outcome in the primary election would halt his progression to the federal level.
Known for his dedicated service to the Nepalese community, Bhandari has actively engaged in Maryland politics, particularly providing significant support to the local Nepalese population. He played a crucial role in coordinating aid efforts for Nepal during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Born in a mountain district of Nepal, Bhandari’s journey from a state representative to a federal candidate exemplifies the increasing influence of individuals of Nepali descent in American politics.
His candidacy holds the potential to enhance the diversity and representation of the Nepali community on the national stage, contingent upon securing the Democratic nomination and winning the federal elections.
As a teacher who was born in Nepal, Bhandari expressed that running for higher office is a “natural progression” after five years in the House of Delegates.
His commitment to public service and dedication to delivering services for vulnerable people align with his vision for continuing Ruppersberger’s legacy of strong constituent service and bipartisan collaboration.
One of Bhandari’s key priorities is to expand healthcare access, citing Maryland’s record for the longest emergency room wait times in the country.
He currently serves on the Health and Government Operations Committee and aims to address healthcare challenges in the state.
Bhandari, a Nottingham resident and father of two, had arrived in the U.S. in 2005 and attended the Johns Hopkins University while working nights at a gas station.
He sees his life as an embodiment of the American dream, transitioning from growing up in a village without electricity to earning a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
First elected in 2018 to represent eastern Baltimore County, Bhandari also chairs the Maryland Legislative Asian-American and Pacific-Islander Caucus.
As a teacher at Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School in Baltimore City, he actively advocates for conflict resolution education in public schools, inspired by the tragic shooting of Mervo junior Jeremiah Brogden in September 2022.
Pictures adopted from Harry Bhandari’s Facebook-Editor
