Sarahana Shrestha (House District 103)

Sarahana Shrestha is a Nepalese-American democratic socialist politician serving as a member of the New York State Assembly for District 103 in the mid-Hudson Valley, representing Ulster County areas including Kingston and Esopus. A Democrat affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America, she was first elected in November 2022 after defeating a 13-term incumbent in the primary, assumed office on January 1, 2023, and is running for re-election. Born March 5, 1981, in Kathmandu, Nepal, she immigrated to the U.S. in 2001 as a student, became a naturalized citizen in 2019 at the Ulster County Courthouse, and is the first New York State legislator of Nepali origin and the only first-generation immigrant to represent her district. She lives in the Town of Esopus with her husband, their dog, and chickens. Notable achievements include helping pass the Build Public Renewables Act in her first year, advocating to transform Central Hudson Gas & Electric into a public Hudson Valley Power Authority, introducing legislation against utility over-privatization, taxing the ultra-rich, holding seven town halls and two mass calls on budget issues, and co-chairing the DSA's Ulster County chapter while affiliated with Public Power NY.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Moved to the U.S. in 2001 as a student; specific degrees not detailed in public records.
• Professional Background: Worked as a graphic designer and climate organizer in the Hudson Valley, joining campaigns to stop fossil fuel plants and advance energy democracy.
• Political Experience: Elected to New York State Assembly District 103 in 2022; serves on committees including Aging, Energy, Local Governments, Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development, and Transportation; member of the Asian Pacific American Task Force, Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus, Legislative Women's Caucus, and Task Force on New Americans. Her campaign emphasized climate, renewable energy, housing, healthcare, public education, jobs, worker rights, and childcare.