My name is Adrian Pokharel. I’m a retired U.S. Army captain & veteran who served in Afghanistan, husband, father of two amazing daughters, former NSA & CIA Intelligence Officer, and now I am a full-time Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress in Virginia’s 10th district open seat.

Let me tell you a bit about my background. My lovely wife, Sumi, and I are the proud parents of Adrianna and Savanna, plus our dogs, Nova and Neo. We are proud residents of Virginia’s 10th congressional district and love living here.

I have dedicated my 20+ year career to the security of the United States.

I hold a Master in Intelligence Studies, a bachelor’s degree in finance, and an associate degree in business administration. My education, and extensive field experience, with notable expertise in Signals Intelligence and Cyber Operations in both offensive and defensive roles, have allowed me to develop a deep understanding of strategic security and how to keep America secure.

I served in the U.S. Army for 14 years, with an overseas deployment in Afghanistan, earning the rank of captain. During my service, I was awarded the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, and the Overseas Service Ribbon.

I have 12 years of specialized experience in military intelligence and strategic security and a solid track record overseeing complex operations in both military and private sector environments. While managing military and private sector operations, I was a strong advocate of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

I also served in the NSA and CIA as an intelligence officer.

Now, I want to continue my service to secure America in the United States Congress.

Why am I the best person to represent you and Virginia’s 10th?

When elected, I will prioritize improving mental healthcare, lowering the costs of healthcare, and women’s reproductive rights, creating good-paying jobs, strengthening labor unions, advocating for veterans, teachers & first responders, and securing our democracy.

I will fight to improve our mental healthcare system, provide better access to healthcare for all, and fight to lower healthcare costs.

I will fight for women’s reproductive rights. I strongly support a woman’s right to make her own healthcare decisions with her doctor. I strongly support President Biden in restoring women’s reproductive rights. Congress must pass legislation codifying a woman’s right to reproductive health care.

I will fight for a strong economy so that all Americans can achieve the American dream like I did.

I will fight to secure our democracy. We need staunch defenders of democracy in Congress who will fight MAGA extremists and during this election, stop Donald Trump from becoming president. There is no room for disinformation in a democracy and we must always fight lies and deceit.

I support straightforward voter registration processes and to make it easier for U.S. citizens to vote. Free, fair and transparent elections must be a priority. I will be a strong supporter to end Citizens United.

I will be a U.S. Representative who listens to and is a champion for labor. I strongly support Davis-Bacon, the prevailing wage law, and I will work hard to strengthen labor unions in Virginia and across our nation. When labor and business work together, our economy thrives, and we achieve excellent results.

I will be an ally for veterans in the U.S. Congress. For generations, brave men and women have answered the call to defend our democracy against threats, both foreign and domestic. I’ll fervently advocate for improved mental healthcare and medical support for service members, their dependents and retirees.

Let me be clear: I do not support defunding the police. I am a strong supporter of our law enforcement personnel. I’m committed to bridging law enforcement and the community, emphasizing mutual respect, understanding and working together.

I will be an advocate for our senior citizens. I will not support any cuts to Medicare or Social Security, ever. For senior citizens, I know the most important thing for them is family, their children and grandchildren. I will work hard to ensure their children and grandchildren have opportunities to achieve the American dream.

The United States is a leader in the world to promote peace, prosperity and democracy around the globe and it should stay that way. Isolationism does not work and never has been in the best interest of our nation.

I stand with Ukraine and Israel in their right to exist and to defend themselves from aggression and we must stop the indiscriminate harm being committed to civilians.

When I take office in January of 2025, I will bring together community leaders, labor leaders, small business owners, veterans, first responders, teachers, senior citizens, environmentalists, farmers and anyone who wants to work together to make Virginia’s 10th and America stronger and secure. I will work hard every day to make sure our government works for and represents all Americans. 

Lastly, as a side note, Virginia’s 10th district voters would make history by electing me, the first Nepali-American to the U.S. Congress.

I ask for your support in Virginia’s June 18th Democratic primary, and I look forward to being your next U.S. Representative.

Thank you and looking forward to seeing you on the campaign trail.