Dr. Aditi Bussells, the first South Asian woman elected to municipal office in South Carolina, is transforming representation and inclusion while facing xenophobic challenges in her runoff election.
During my internship at the Columbia City Council, I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Aditi Bussells, a leader who exudes confidence without apology. As an Indian woman raised in South Carolina, I often found it challenging to see individuals who looked like me in positions of public leadership, particularly in the South. Observing Dr. Bussells inspired me to embrace my identity and celebrate it rather than hide it.
Dr. Bussells has made history as the first South Asian woman ever elected to municipal office in South Carolina. In her first term, she has accomplished much more than simply breaking barriers; she has built bridges within her community. From co-hosting Diwali celebrations at the Governor’s Mansion to amplifying the voices of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities statewide, she has turned representation into meaningful inclusion.
As she approaches her runoff election, Dr. Bussells is confronting xenophobic attacks aimed at undermining her sense of belonging. Her opponent’s campaign has circulated messages suggesting she is “not one of us.” This rhetoric not only targets her but also impacts every immigrant, first-generation American, and young person who has ever felt alienated in their own community.
The stakes in this election extend beyond the immediate outcome; they encompass the broader future of belonging in the South. As South Asian Americans, it is imperative that we do not turn a blind eye to these challenges. Historically, the South has been overlooked in discussions about our political influence, but this narrative is shifting thanks to leaders like Dr. Bussells. She serves as a powerful reminder that representation is crucial not only in Washington or on the coasts but in every city, town, and statehouse across the nation.
Civic service should reflect the diversity of the communities it serves. Dr. Bussells exemplifies that young South Asians can—and should—occupy space in public life, paving the way for future generations to follow in her footsteps.
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