Adrian from Nepal’s Dharan: Former CIA Officer Running for US Congress

Ashish Pokharel (Adrian), born in Dharan, a city in Nepal’s Sunsari district, is making waves across the political landscape of Virginia’s 10th Congressional District in the United States. A former US Army captain and CIA operative, Adrian has officially thrown his hat into the ring as a Democratic Party candidate for the US House of Representatives.

According to election regulations, he officially became a candidate after successfully gathering signatures from 1,000 registered voters. This achievement, though challenging, was swiftly accomplished, allowing him to now focus on his campaign efforts.

Pokharel, a former US Army captain with 14 years of service, including 6 years in the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), holds the distinction of being the first person of Nepali origin to serve in the CIA. His candidacy has garnered support not only from Nepali communities but also from a broad spectrum of Virginians in the 10th district.

His candidacy represents a potential shift in American perceptions of Nepali individuals, a sentiment welcomed by Nepali residents in the area. Additionally, his policy platforms have resonated positively with Americans, particularly his emphasis on unity, equality, and various social and economic issues.

Adrian’s campaign priorities include enhancing mental health care, lowering healthcare expenses, safeguarding women’s reproductive rights, promoting job creation, supporting labor unions, and strengthening democracy. With expertise in military intelligence, management, leadership, cybersecurity, ethical hacking, network administration, and national security, he brings a diverse skill set to the table.

Having commenced his education at Shiksha Sadan in Dharan, Pokharel pursued studies in business administration, finance, intelligence studies, and strategic security in the United States.

In the upcoming primary election on June 18th, he is one of 11 candidates vying for the Democratic Party nomination.

Who is Adrian Pokharel?

Pokharel was born in Dharan 14 Bijaypur to Basudev Pokhrel and Dharani Pokhrel. His childhood was spent in Sunsari. He received his school education from Shiksha Sadan Mavi in Dharan and his higher education from Sankardev Campus in Kathmandu. After that, he graduated from San Jacinto Community College in Texas, USA, with a degree in Business Administration and Finance from the University of Houston. His studies did not stop there. He received his Masters in Intelligence Studies from the American Military University and his PhD in Strategic Security from the National American University.

In the early days in America, he worked at gas stations around the Houston area and then worked for Continental Airlines in various positions for 11 years. He then worked at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) for 6 years through the Houston Police Department, Transportation Security Administration, Railroad, National Security Agency. He enlisted in the US Army and became an officer. He worked as an army officer for 12 years, retiring as a captain.