By Andrian Putra
Suwanee, March 10, 2026 — Three AAPI-connected Democrats have officially entered the 2026 election cycle, each bringing a distinct story — and a shared commitment to working families — to the ballot ahead of the May 19 Democratic primary. Together, their announcements mark a significant moment for the county's growing Asian American and Pacific Islander community and for Georgia Democratic politics at large.
Singh Enters HD-97, Eyes Legislative History
Jyot Singh, a Gwinnett native, Yale University alumnus, and son of Punjabi immigrants, launched his campaign for the open Georgia State House District 97 seat at a rally of roughly 150 supporters at Jones Bridge Park in Peachtree Corners. If elected, Singh would become the first Sikh and Indian American to serve in the Georgia State Legislature.
A product of Gwinnett County Public Schools and founder of the political consulting firm Blue Husky Group, Singh is best known locally for leading the successful renewal of Gwinnett's E-SPLOST — directing $1.4 billion to county public schools in the largest education investment in county history. His platform focuses on lowering costs for working families, expanding Medicaid, codifying reproductive rights, defending voting rights, and protecting immigrants.
“I am running because the moment we are in requires leaders unafraid to fight and unwilling to cave,” Singh told the crowd. The Democratic primary for HD-97 is set for May 19, with a potential runoff on June 16.
Ali Secures Uncontested Re-Election in HD-106
Representative Akbar Ali, at 22 the youngest person ever sworn into the Georgia State Legislature, will return to the Gold Dome without a primary challenger. His uncontested 2026 race is a remarkable turnaround from his razor-thin December 2025 special election win — a 153-vote runoff victory that first sent him to Atlanta representing District 106.
The eldest son of Pakistani immigrants and a Kennesaw State University graduate, Ali has moved quickly since taking office. He introduced HB 1244, bipartisan legislation to mandate planning time and a duty-free lunch for public school teachers — closing a loophole that allowed school districts to strip these basic protections. He has also co-sponsored bipartisan HB 496, which would bar law enforcement from searching vehicles based solely on the odor of marijuana.
“Running unopposed does not mean I am comfortable nor complacent,” Ali said. “It means we have a clear order from District 106 to continue to work hard, serve faithfully, and deliver real solutions.” He will formally begin his new term in January 2027 but remains active in the current session.
Ashling Brings Finance and Voter Protection Experience to SOS Race
Cam T. Ashling, a Vietnamese-born refugee, Georgia farmer, Certified Financial Planner, and veteran election protection advocate — announced her candidacy for Georgia Secretary of State. Ashling, who has called Georgia home since the 1980s and currently operates a small goat farm in Forsyth County, is running on a dual promise: fixing the office's operational failures and safeguarding the vote.
Her credentials span both worlds. On the business side, she holds CFP®, CAIA, and CFA Level I and II designations and previously worked for major investment firms before launching her own consulting practice. On the election side, she has led ballot-curing teams, served as a poll monitor, testified in court to defend voters, challenged the controversial “takeover clause” of SB202 through litigation, and served as AAPI Constituency Director for the Ossoff and Warnock Senate campaigns.
She enters a four-candidate Democratic primary alongside former Fulton County State Court Judge Penny Brown Reynolds, Fulton County Commissioner Dana Barrett, and Adrian Consonery Jr.
“The Secretary of State's office is both the economic engine of Georgia and the guardian of our election systems,” Ashling said. “Georgians deserve leadership that understands business, finance, and the responsibility to put voters first — not politics.”
