Neil Makhija wins Democratic Party nomination for Montgomery County Commissioner in Pennsylvania

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Indian American Neil Makhija, won the nomination in a heated five-way race in the Democratic primary for Montgomery County Commissioner in Pennsylvania May 16, 2023.

Makhija and the other winner in the Democratic primary who was a party favorite, Jamila Winder, will now face off in the November against the Republicans, Tom DiBello and Liz Ferry who won the GOP primary, for two of the three seats that make up the County Commission Board.

In an interview with the inquirer.com, May 17, Winder said she and Makhija would make history if elected in November.

“Neil and I represent a historic ticket. This means so much for people of color throughout Montgomery county,” she is quoted saying in the Inquirer. “And it speaks volumes that two people of color could be the Democratic majority on the board of commissioners. I’m in awe, in terms of how far we’ve come, as a community,” she added. Winder is black.

“It’s official! Despite long odds, our underdog campaign succeeded and I have officially won the Democratic nomination for Montgomery County Commissioner,” Makhija said in a May 17 email blast.

“At a time when our fundamental rights and democracy itself are on the line, voters of Montgomery County chose a candidate who will fight for democratic principles and values,” Makhija said.

“I am incredibly grateful and humbled by your faith in our vision,” Makhija said, adding, “The voters valued our proactive approach to protecting voting rights and trusted that I will work to ensure Montgomery County remains a great place to live and raise a family for people of all walks of life.”

“I want to thank my campaign team, my family, and, especially, my spouse, Dr. Rachel Nash, whose encouragement kept me going throughout these past months,” he said.

According to Makhija, his campaign set a fundraising record, “raising more than $1M in just three months and building an extensive grassroots operation.”