Ash Kalra, Harry Sidhu, two Indian Americans were successful in California’s June 7 primary and are now advancing to the general election. San Jose City Councilman Ash Kalra, a Democrat, earned a spot in the state’s 27th Assembly District, finishing a distant second in the voting to fellow Democrat Madison Nguyen, a former vice mayor of San Jose.
In total, Nguyen locked up the primary win with 35.3 percent, or 18,474 votes. Kalra tallied nearly half Nguyen’s totals, with 9,864 votes, or 18.85 percent. Just getting to this point was a battle in itself, Kalra said.
“There was more money spent (by the six other candidates) attacking me in TV and radio spots,” Kalra told India-West. “I’m very excited to finish in the top two. That was our goal.” And looking ahead to the general election, Kalra said, “I feel great about my chances. I feel confident about the November election and I’m excited about the challenge ahead.”
Meanwhile, in the 68th Assembly District, covering the Tustin and Lake Forest areas in the Southland, Republican Harry Sidhu snuck into the top two with 14,247 votes, or 21 percent, 715 votes ahead of Republican Steven Choi, who had 13,532 votes, or 20 percent. Sidhu will challenge Democrat Sean Panahi, who won the primary with 22,965 votes and 33 percent, in the general election.
A former Anaheim mayor pro tem, Sidhu said, “I am honored that the 68th State Assembly District voters have placed their trust in me to be their voice in Sacramento as a champion for small business owners and
