New Challenger Emerges in Queens Assembly District Held by Steven Raga

QUEENS, New York - Nepali American community leader Somnath Ghimire has formally entered the race for the New York State Assembly, setting up a Democratic primary challenge against incumbent Steven Raga in Assembly District 30.

Ghimire, a longtime Woodside resident, said his decision to seek public office is rooted in his years of community advocacy and civic engagement in Queens. His campaign platform highlights affordable housing, public education, worker protections, and immigrant representation in one of the city’s most diverse legislative districts.

He has lived in Queens since the mid-1990s and has been active in civic and labor-related work for more than two decades. His background includes serving as a supervisor during the 2020 U.S. Census and holding leadership roles in nonprofit and community organizations supporting South Asian and immigrant communities.

Assembly District 30 includes parts of Woodside, Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst, and Maspeth.

Raga, who was first elected in 2022, is seeking another term in the Assembly. During his tenure, he has advanced legislation on mental health services, worker protections, and public safety, and has supported initiatives benefiting immigrant communities. He has also played a role in securing state funding for infrastructure and flood mitigation projects in Queens.

The New York State Assembly has two-year terms, and all seats will be contested in the 2026 elections. The Democratic primary is expected to be held in June.

The race is expected to draw attention as both candidates campaign in a district known for its ethnic diversity and active civic participation.