Texas Local Elections 2023: Muslim Candidates Working to Serve Their Community

Two candidates running in different cities, both South Asian immigrants pursuing the American Dream, are hoping to serve their community through their dedication to education, service and faith. 

Arefin Shamsul was elected to Richardson City Council, Place 6, in June 2021 and is now running for reelection, this time unopposed. 

“I often tell people that service is about people and I truly believe in that,” says Shamsul. “This job is about improving people's lives across the city, ensuring they are heard, recognized, and their quality of life is the best.” 

In his time on the City Council, Shamsul says he has helped cut property taxes to ease the cost of living, as Richardson’s population is aging. Shamsul hopes to connect the city’s diverse population with public cultural events and improved infrastructure. 

“One of my proudest moments on the council was when we welcomed the Afghan refugees in 2021,” said Shamsul. “Many of these families were arriving with next to nothing. We were able to partner with local organizations to ensure they had clothing, food, and shelter.” 

Shamsul says his career as a civil engineer is what makes him passionate about ensuring a proper budget for updating the Spring Valley residential project, which was previously promised by the local government. 

Anwer Azam is running for City Council in Frisco because he wants to see positive change in the place he and his family call home. 

“I'm running as a problem solver, I will make sure that the residents’ feedback and opinions are a central [part of] how we run the city,” said Azam. 

He worked as an auditor and accountant for the “Big 4” CPA firms before opening his own accounting firm where he assists small businesses with their taxes and finances. With over 25 years of managing budgets, Mr. Azam is eager to share his plan to optimize Frisco’s almost $900 million budget. 

“I will streamline the budget first, and decide what projects we take in our city,” said Azam. “I will measure how it's going to benefit our city and ensure that each project is financially viable for Frisco.” 

As an immigrant, Azam says his father encouraged him to be honest and work hard as that is the American Dream. For over 15 years, Azam has served his community as a board member for several nonprofits and his local Home Owner’s Association, “I found a real satisfaction and personal fulfillment by helping our community doing nonprofit work.” 

Shamsul and Azam both say their faith is what motivates them to hold positions in local government, “We believe that serving the community is a way of being blessed by God,” said Shamsul. “Serving is about listening to others, finding out what we can do to help them, and seeking out positive outcomes for everyone.” 

Election day is tomorrow, Saturday, May 6, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Richardson voting will take place at the First Baptist Church Richardson, Activities Center, the Islamic Association of North Texas and various elementary schools. 

Frisco voting depends if you are located in either Dallas or Denton County, as the city falls under both. To see if you are a registered voter and to find your polling location visit VoteTexas.gov 

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