Campaign meet and greet. / Courtesy of Sanjay Singhal

Indian American Sanjay Singhal won the District 2 city council seat in Sugar Land, Texas, defeating Pakistani-origin candidate Nasir Hussain in the June 7 runoff election. A retired energy executive and graduate of IIT Delhi, Singhal ran on a platform centered on sustainable growth, civic transparency, and public safety.

Singhal was actively involved in local issues as a leader in the Telfair Homeowners Association, where he became known for opposing a proposed local gas power plant. His campaign highlighted his experience in managing complex projects and building consensus among residents.

Supporter Vijay Pallod, who backed Singhal throughout the campaign, said the result was a reflection of the hard work and trust built within the community. “Sanjay ji had a landslide victory because of strong community and family support,” Pallod said. “His victory will encourage more people to do community service.”

In an exclusive interview with New India Abroad, Singhal spoke about what the victory means to him and the significance of being an Indian American elected to public office in a diverse city like Sugar Land.

Here is the full interview:

Congratulations on your win. What does this victory mean to you personally, especially as an Indian American in Sugar Land?

This victory is deeply meaningful to me—not just personally, but as a reflection of the power of performance and consensus-building in public life. Our campaign was anchored in transparency, fiscal responsibility, and results—not rhetoric. 

To see that message resonate across Sugar Land, including the incredible turnout from the Indian American community, is inspiring. I hope it sets an example and motivates other underrepresented groups to get more involved in shaping the future of our shared communities.

 

Singhal ran on a platform centered on sustainable growth and civic transparency. / Courtesy of Sanjay Singhal

You ran against a Pakistani-origin candidate, Nasir Hussain. Was there any pressure or expectation—spoken or unspoken—about representing your heritage during this campaign?

While I made a deliberate effort to keep the focus on civic issues and what’s best for Sugar Land, I was aware of the broader sentiments and expectations from the Indo-American community, especially during moments of geopolitical tension. 

I stayed grounded in values that reflect both India and America: a commitment to excellence, an inclusive mindset, and a desire to serve the public with integrity. I believe that focusing on solutions, rather than backgrounds or divisions, ultimately helped me earn trust across all communities.

Sugar Land is one of the most diverse suburbs in Texas. Did your Indian identity come into play when connecting with voters? Did it help or complicate things?

Absolutely. The strong support from the Indian American community was pivotal—not just in turnout, but in energizing the campaign. Historically, voter participation among Indo Americans has been lower, but this campaign helped change that narrative. During this campaign, Indo-Americans in my district turned out in very large numbers – over 40 percent - in comparison to a city-wide average of 15 percent. 

Beyond that, our emphasis on performance, transparency, and issue-based governance helped us connect with voters of all backgrounds—Caucasian, Asian, Hispanic, and others. We built a broad coalition by staying focused on what matters.

Your campaign focused on sustainable growth and civic transparency. Which of these issues resonated most with voters on the ground, and why do you think that was?

Transparency stood out as a core concern for Sugar Land and District 2 residents. Voters want to be heard—they want decisions to be made with them, not just for them. Recent controversies, like a recently proposed gas-fired power plant, highlighted a need for more inclusive, transparent governance. Our campaign emphasized openness, resident engagement, and transparent decision-making by city leadership. Voters responded strongly to that message because they saw it as a shift away from closed-door politics.

You’ve called this a victory for “all of us.” Who is the “us” here? Can you talk about the coalition of support that brought you here—what made it work?

“Us” refers to the people of Sugar Land—the residents who care about transparent government, smart growth, and a city that readily listens to residents. Our campaign brought together individuals across ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds. This wasn’t a win by one group—it was a win for everyone who believes in accountable leadership. The support we received came from all corners of District 2, united by shared values and a focus on performance driven leadership, not divisions.

You’ve spent a decade working on local issues, especially with the Telfair HOA. How did that groundwork prepare you for the demands of city-level leadership?

My time with the Telfair HOA taught me how to lead with results and navigate competing interests. We successfully reduced HOA fees during a period of high inflation while improving community facilities and services and increasing the HOA’s capital reserve fund. That work required building trust, aligning diverse perspectives, and driving efficiency in HOA operations. These same principles—consensus-building, performance-driven leadership, and transparent communication—are what I intend to bring to City Council.

What’s your message to young Indian Americans—or immigrants more broadly—who are watching your win and wondering if politics is for them?

We are part of a thriving, talented and resourceful community—and we belong at the table. I’m proud that so many young Indo-Americans supported this campaign, whether as volunteers or first-time voters. Their energy and commitment give me hope. If we want to shape the future, we must engage in it—bring our experiences, our skills, and our values into public service. 

Local government is where real impact happens, and it’s time more of us step forward. Public service is not just possible—it’s our responsibility. Our heritage, values, and experiences can make America even stronger, and this campaign proved that.

Indian Americans are still relatively underrepresented in local U.S. politics. Did you feel you were carrying that weight during your campaign — and does this win feel like a step toward changing that?

Yes, and I take great pride in that. The surge in turnout from the Indian American community in this election is a milestone—and I hope it’s just the beginning. More of us are realizing that we can win, that we can lead, and that public service is both meaningful and achievable. I hope this victory encourages others to step up and contribute to building stronger, more representative communities.

Your journey—from IIT Delhi to a global executive career to Sugar Land City Council—mirrors the aspirations of many in the Indian diaspora. What part of your background do you think most shaped your approach to public service here?

My journey mirrors that of many Indian Americans—immigrating to this country, building a career through hard work and excellence, and eventually looking for ways to give back. My 33+ years at Schlumberger in executive leadership roles across the globe taught me how to lead under pressure, manage complex operations, and deliver results with integrity. That experience—combined with the values instilled in me through my childhood in India—shapes my approach to public service today. I hope this journey inspires others in our community to step forward, get involved, and bring their skills into public life. We have so much to contribute—and this campaign shows what’s possible when we do.