IAPAC | Celebrating Democracy. Building Bridges. Strengthening Communities.
Our Bureau
Houston, TX
The 2026 elections mark a historic chapter for Texas and our nation, underscoring the power of civic participation and the vital role every citizen plays in shaping our collective future.
The Indian American Public Affairs Council (IAPAC) extends its warm congratulations to all newly elected and reelected leaders, Democrats and Republicans alike. We thank everyone who exercised their right to vote and participated in shaping the future of our communities. Every vote matters, and every voice strengthens our democracy.
We are especially pleased to recognize candidates and elected officials who engaged directly with our community through IAPAC’s Conversations Over Coffee (COC@IAPAC) series, candidate forums, and meet-and-greet events.
Among them are U.S. Senator-elect James Talarico, Texas Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa, Lieutenant Governor-elect Vikki Goodwin, Agriculture Commissioner-elect Clayton Tucker, Railroad Commissioner-elect Jon Rosenthal, reelected State Representative Gene Wu, and Pooja Sethi, all of whom engaged with our community through IAPAC events and initiatives.
At the county level, we congratulate Harris County Judge-elect Letitia Plummer, Fort Bend County Judge-elect Dexter McCoy, and Brazoria County Judge-elect Rob Giesecke.
We also recognize Michelle Palmer, Dana Van De Walker, Silky Joshi, Judge Manpreet Monica Singh, Judge Surendran Pattel, and Judge Juli Mathew for their engagement with our community through IAPAC events and initiatives.
Beyond Texas, we congratulate U.S. Representatives-elect Dr. Amish Shah of Arizona and Pia Dandiya of Florida, along with reelected Congressman Suhas Subramanyam of Virginia, all of whom have engaged with our community through IAPAC initiatives.
We also congratulate Indian American congressional winners Ami Bera, Pramila Jayapal, and Ro Khanna, whose continued representation reflects our community’s growing role in American democracy.
Our appreciation extends to every candidate who participated in IAPAC’s programs, regardless of political affiliation or election outcome. These interactions have fostered meaningful dialogue, mutual understanding, and relationships that extend beyond election cycles.
Civic Engagement Beyond Elections
Throughout 2026, IAPAC has continued to advance its mission through Conversations Over Coffee (COC@IAPAC), Women Empowerment (WE@IAPAC), Youth Engagement (YOU@IAPAC), candidate forums, community town halls, and voter education initiatives.
We are grateful to the many elected officials and members of the judiciary who have participated in these programs, including State Representative Ann Johnson, Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones, Fort Bend County District Attorney Brian Middleton, and Judges Monica Rawlins, Toni Wallace, Stuti Patel, and Angela Grace Harrington, among others.
Their willingness to engage directly with our community has encouraged thoughtful conversations on public education, healthcare, public safety, the judicial system, and issues affecting our families and future generations.
As a nonpartisan, secular organization, IAPAC remains committed to bringing communities and elected leaders together, encouraging informed participation, and building relationships across political and cultural divides. Our goal is not simply to encourage voting, but to foster sustained civic engagement and ensure that our community has a meaningful voice in decisions affecting its future.
A Commitment to Unity and Shared Values
This election also reminds us that democracy is strongest when we respect our differences and recognize our shared humanity. Hatred, prejudice, and division have no place in our communities or our democracy.
Regardless of political affiliation, we must rise above divisive rhetoric, reject intolerance, and work together to protect the dignity, freedoms, and opportunities that define our American democracy.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to IAPAC’s leadership, board members, volunteers, and community partners whose dedication has made these initiatives possible. Special recognition goes to Dr. Roopa Gir, Founder and Past President of IAPAC, whose leadership and longstanding commitment to civic education and community engagement have helped build meaningful relationships with elected leaders across party lines.
The Work of Democracy Continues
While the elections have concluded, our civic responsibility does not end at the ballot box. We must remain informed, engaged, and willing to work together on issues that affect our families, communities, and future generations.
Democracy is strengthened not by the victory of any one party, but by the participation of its people.