Georgia Makes History: Bangladeshi-American Candidate Nabilah Parks Advances to Runoff

A historic moment has unfolded for the Bangladeshi diaspora in the United States as 36-year-old Nabilah Parks advanced to the runoff election in the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor of Georgia.

The primary, held on May 19, saw Parks secure enough votes to move forward to a June 16 runoff against Josh McLaurin. If she wins the runoff and later the general election in November, she could become the first Bangladeshi-American to hold a statewide executive office in U.S. history.

Speaking on election night, Parks thanked voters and emphasized economic fairness and affordability, saying she will continue fighting for a system where working families can thrive.

Born in Atlanta and raised in Norcross and Lawrenceville, Parks comes from a working-class immigrant family. Her father, a Bangladeshi immigrant, worked as a file clerk at the Internal Revenue Service, while her mother is originally from Noakhali, Bangladesh.

Parks has often described her mother’s struggles with healthcare access as a key reason she entered politics, particularly after her family faced challenges with insurance coverage during a medical condition. She is also a first-generation college graduate, having earned a BBA from Georgia State University.

Elected in 2022 to the Georgia State Senate from Gwinnett County’s 7th District, Parks made history as the first Muslim woman, youngest female senator, and first South Asian woman in the chamber. She has since been known for advocating progressive policies, including healthcare expansion, lower prescription drug costs, and increased education funding.

Her campaign has faced challenges, including a controversial AI-generated advertisement by Republican opponent Greg Dolezal that critics described as Islamophobic, featuring messaging such as “keep Georgia sharia-free.” Despite such attacks, Parks has continued her campaign without backing down.

Supporters say her personal journey reflects the broader immigrant experience, and her candidacy has become a symbolic moment for many Bangladeshi-American families across the United States.

The upcoming June 16 runoff is now a critical step in her path toward making U.S. political history.