Press release
Independent Cary Town Council Member Sarika Bansal has officially joined the Democratic Party
Cary, NC – Sarika Bansal, who in 2023 became the first Indian American elected to the Cary Town Council, has officially changed her party registration from Unaffiliated to Democrat.
“Today, I am announcing my change of affiliation to join the Democratic party, as their values on women’s empowerment, social equity, environmental sustainability, mental health, and healthcare reform align with my own beliefs,” said Bansal. “I also support advancing women in leadership, including the possibility that a woman will serve as President of the United States.”
“As the Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party, I want to welcome Councilwoman Sarika Bansal to our party and praise her for making this crucial decision at a pivotal time for our state. The stakes couldn’t be higher for this election and this November we’re going to return the power back to the people,” said NCDP Chair Anderson Clayton.
North Carolina Congressman Wiley Nickel (D) of Congressional District 13 weighed in as well on Bansal’s change of registration from Unaffiliated to Democrat:
“I’m thrilled to welcome Sarika Bansal to the Democratic Party. As the first Indian American on the Cary Town Council, she’s been a trailblazer and a dedicated advocate for her community. With her decision to join the Democratic Party, she flips the Cary Town Council blue, further strengthening the fight for fairness, opportunity, and inclusion in North Carolina. I’m confident she’ll continue to be a strong voice for our shared values as the newest member of the North Carolina Democratic Party.”
Bansal ran an independent campaign against an incumbent Republican and a Democratic challenger in the fall of 2023. Buoyed by tremendous support from the local Indian American community Bansal won the run-off against Democrat Rachael Jordan.
Bansal ran on a platform committed to working with Chatham County on schools and smart growth while addressing the environment, local business needs, transit and parks and greenways in her district.
“My commitment to a nonpartisan approach as a Cary council member will remain steadfast” Bansal stated “I will continue to represent all residents of my district and the Town of Cary, focusing on effective service and addressing the issues that matter most to the community.”
The change in party registration will allow Bansal to join the Wake County Democratic Party’s executive committee as well as the Asian-American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Caucus of the NCDP.