In a race that pitted long-standing political resumes against fresh, grassroots energy, Mona Singh and Christine Kushner emerged Tuesday as the Democratic nominees for two at-large seats on the Wake County Board of Commissioners in North Carolina.
Their victories in a crowded seven-way primary signal a dual mandate from voters: an appetite for modern, data-driven governance and respect for proven leadership in education.
Indian American Mona Singh’s second-place finish with 22% of the vote to 30% secured by Christine Kushner, a former chair of the Wake County Board of Education, was the night’s most significant upset.
A Cary-based technology consultant and first-time candidate, Singh holds approximately 130 patents related to smartphone technology and augmented reality. Her campaign was a masterclass in modern grassroots organizing; despite being a newcomer, she out-raised and out-polled several veteran local officials.
Originally from Delhi, India, Singh often spoke on the trail about how her immigrant background fuels her appreciation for the democratic process.
Beyond her professional tech background, she has spent years teaching English to refugees and serving on Cary’s Information Services Advisory Board.
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Singh’s platform centers on “smart technology” to streamline government operations and creative tax solutions for the county’s wealthiest residents. Her supporters, including Cary Town Council members, described her as a “power canvasser” who won over voters through thousands of one-on-one conversations rather than just digital advertisements.
By defeating high-profile candidates like Raleigh City Councilmember Jonathan Lambert-Melton and former Morrisville Town Councilmember Steve Rao, Singh has established herself as a new force in Triangle politics.
Leading community advocacy group Indian American Impact congratulated Singh on advancing to the next stage of the race. “Congratulations to @monaforwake on advancing to the general election for Wake County Commissioner in North Carolina! A seasoned innovator and community advocate, Mona will champion people-centered governance and data-driven solutions to help every family in Wake County thrive,” it posted on X.
Currently serving on the Wake County Health and Human Services Board, Kushner has focused her career on the intersection of public health and public schooling.
Singh and Kushner now head to the general election in November, where they will face Republicans Kyle Stogoski and Gary Dale Hartong. Given Wake County’s recent voting trends, Singh and Kushner are widely considered the frontrunners to join the board.