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American Hindu Coalition backs Rini Sampath for D.C. mayor at community event
The endorsement marked a notable moment for Sampath, who is seeking to become the first South Asian woman elected mayor of the U.S. capital.
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Staff Reporter - Mon, 27, Apr 2026
- 17:40 EDT
- 46
Rini Sampath / Handout
The American Hindu Coalition has endorsed Rini Sampath for mayor of Washington, D.C., during a community gathering held at the ISKCON of DC Temple on April 26.
The event, described by organizers as a “Meet & Greet,” brought together community leaders, organizations, and members of the Hindu American community as part of a broader push to increase civic participation and political engagement.
Also Read: Rini Sampath becomes first South Asian on DC Mayor ballot
Held on the occasion of Sita Navami, the gathering blended spiritual observance with civic dialogue, with attendees participating in bhajans and aarti before the formal program began. Organizers said the setting underscored themes of resilience, service, and leadership.
In his remarks, AHC chairman Shekhar Tiwari urged the community to rally behind Sampath, calling her a “principled, hardworking” candidate focused on addressing systemic challenges in the city.
“Our community is at a defining crossroads,” said Ankur Misra, executive director of AHC Maryland, adding that the turnout signaled a shift from passive engagement to organized civic participation. “Seeing so many organizations and temples standing together today proves that the ‘civic silence’ of the past is over. We are no longer just observers; we are an organized, united front ensuring that our values and our families are represented at the highest levels of local government. Rini’s candidacy is a historic first, but our unity is what will make it a lasting movement.”
Sampath, addressing a packed hall, outlined her “Fix the Basics” platform, focusing on modernizing emergency services, tackling the cost of living, supporting small businesses, and ensuring fiscal responsibility. She also highlighted her background in cybersecurity as a strength in improving operational efficiency in city governance.
The event featured remarks from several community leaders, including Dr. Lakshmi Thalanki, who drew on Hindu philosophical concepts such as Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam to emphasize unity and collective responsibility.
Sampath received support by a broad cross-section of the community, with religious leaders, professionals, and organizers in attendance, including Swamy Maharaj Ramanand Dwivedi, Rajiv Sharma, Mahendra Sapa, Madhav and Madhumita, Shri Tatipamula, Krishna Gudipati, Ashwini and Janak Arora, Dr. Satish and Sheela Misra, Chitranjan Nath, Sirmukh Singh Manku, Anita Bhandari, Chattar Saini, and Premi Chhada, among others.
The gathering concluded with blessings from temple priests and a question-and-answer session, where Sampath addressed issues ranging from public safety to support for small businesses and concerns about rising discrimination.
As the Washington, D.C., primary approaches on June 16, organizers said the event served as both an endorsement and a call to action, positioning the Hindu American community as an increasingly visible and active participant in the city’s political landscape.
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