On May 19, Georgia’s Democratic primary election marked a historic moment for the Bangladeshi-American community. Nabilah Parkes, 36, competed in the Democratic primary for Lieutenant Governor of Georgia and has advanced to the June 16 runoff alongside Josh McLaurin. If she wins the runoff and then prevails in the general election in November, she will become the first Bangladeshi-American ever elected Lieutenant Governor of a U.S. state — a groundbreaking and historic achievement.
On election night, Nabilah delivered an emotional message to her supporters. “Georgians turned out in large numbers tonight because they are tired and frustrated with the old system,” she said. “It is a tremendous honor that so many people have placed their trust in me. Iwill continue fighting for an affordable and fair economy where every family has the opportunity to thrive.” Born in Atlanta and raised in Norcross and Lawrenceville, Nabilah is the daughter of a Bangladeshi immigrant father who worked as a file clerk for the Internal Revenue Service, while her mother is originally from Noakhali, Bangladesh. Her rise from a working-class immigrant family to the highest levels of American politics is not just her personal story — it reflects the aspirations and dreams of countless Bangladeshi immigrants across America.
A deeply personal family experience drew Nabilah into politics. After her mother developed a spinal disc problem and had to take time off work, an insurance company attempted to deny her healthcare coverage. That painful experience inspired Nabilah to become a passionate advocate for expanded healthcare access. She graduated from Georgia State
University with a BBA and is a first-generation college graduate.
In 2022, Nabilah was elected to the Georgia State Senate from Gwinnett County’s 7th District, becoming the first Muslim woman ever elected to the Georgia State Senate. She was also the youngest woman elected to the chamber, the first South Asian woman, and the first Muslim member. In the Senate, she has become a strong progressive voice and a vocal advocate for immigrant communities, including Bangladeshis, often standing against Republican-led legislation affecting those communities.
Her political journey has not been easy. Republican opponent Greg Dolezal released an AI-generated campaign ad portraying Muslims as a threat and warning voters to “keep Georgia Sharia-free.” Despite this blatant Islamophobic attack, Nabilah did not back down. Instead, she responded with greater determination and resilience.
“My life experiences have shaped my work,” Nabilah has said. “People across Georgia who have struggled can trust that I will fight for them every day, because I have lived those struggles myself.” Her campaign priorities include expanding Medicaid, lowering prescription drug costs, controlling insurance prices, and increasing funding for public schools.
The next major test comes on June 16, when she faces Josh McLaurin in the runoff election. If successful, she will then move on to the general election in November. The road ahead is long and challenging, but Nabilah — a determined daughter of Bangladeshi immigrants raised in suburban Atlanta — has already proven that she can accomplish what once seemed impossible.
For Bangladeshi-American families across the United States, Nabilah is more than just a candidate — she represents a shared dream. For voters in Georgia, the message is clear: show up on June 16, cast your vote, and stand with Nabilah. Because her victory would not belong to one individual alone — it would belong to an entire community, and it would
open a new chapter of history for generations to come.
