Naushad Kermally, Sugar Land’s Mayoral Candidate, Champions Unity, Service, and Representation
Naushad Kermally, a longtime Sugar Land resident and City Council member, is seeking to make history as the city’s first Muslim mayor in the local elections scheduled for May 3, 2025. Having served three terms on the council and as mayor pro tem, Kermally’s campaign centers on public safety, transparency, and inclusive growth in one of Texas’s most diverse cities. His candidacy comes amid heightened debates over faith, representation, and the evolving identity of Sugar Land, a city of over 110,000 residents.
A Life of Service and Leadership
Kermally and his wife, Narmin, have called Sugar Land home for nearly 30 years, raising three children who have each excelled academically and professionally. He began his career as a trauma and critical care registered nurse at Ben Taub Hospital and later at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. In 1999, Kermally transitioned to the business world, joining Prime Communications, where he developed leadership and entrepreneurial skills over 25 years. He now dedicates his time to community service and supporting his wife’s travel business.
“I love this City, it is the city which I call home and I love to live, work, and play in Sugar Land,” Kermally said after his historic City Council win in 2019.
Kermally’s commitment to Sugar Land is reflected in his extensive civic engagement. He has served on the boards of the Sugar Land 4B Corporation, the Sugar Land Development Corporation, the Economic Development Committee, and the Finance and Audit Committee. In 2023-2024, he was honored to serve as Mayor Pro Tem, further solidifying his reputation as a dedicated public servant.
Representation and Diversity
In 2019, Kermally became the first Muslim to win a seat on Sugar Land’s City Council, representing District 2 after a hard-fought runoff election. His victory was celebrated not only by his supporters but also by the city’s vibrant and diverse Muslim community, which includes significant Arab, Pakistani, and Ismaili populations.
“Whether you’re Hindu, African American, Chinese, it doesn’t matter, I want to represent you, and I will represent every citizen of District 2. I will be a voice for all of us,” Kermally stated after his victory.
Sugar Land is known for its diversity, with 39% of residents identifying as Asian and 36.7% as White, according to 2023 data. The city’s median household income is $137,511, and the homeownership rate stands at 80.1%. The area is also home to the national headquarters for the United States Ismaili Community and several mosques and Islamic centers, reflecting its multicultural character.
Safety, Transparency, and Smart Growth
Kermally’s mayoral campaign is built on four pillars: public safety, transparency, mobility, and innovative development. He has pledged to strengthen police and fire departments, invest in technology, and ensure that Sugar Land remains one of the safest cities in Texas.
“My top priority is the safety of our residents. A safe and secure city translates into a quality of life people seek out and value,” Kermally explained.
He also advocates for open and accessible government, promising to improve communication and increase public input in decision-making. Kermally has emphasized the importance of enhancing transportation infrastructure and reducing traffic congestion to keep the city connected and moving forward.
On development, Kermally supports smart, sustainable growth that preserves Sugar Land’s unique character while fostering vibrant communities. He has played a key role in passing a $350 million bond for infrastructure and public safety projects, demonstrating his commitment to responsible city planning.
Navigating Faith, Politics, and Community Expectations
As an Ismaili Muslim, Kermally’s candidacy has attracted both support and criticism from different segments of the community. While some celebrate his historic run, others have questioned his solidarity with the broader Muslim community, particularly in light of the city council’s refusal to call for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war and restrictions on public comment at council meetings.
“There are people out there saying that I’m not a true Muslim,” Kermally told the Houston Chronicle. “I was there at 4:30 in the morning because I believe that strongly in my faith”.
Kermally has responded to criticism by reiterating his commitment to inclusivity and serving all residents, regardless of their faith or background. He maintains that faith and politics should remain separate, asserting, “Politics is one lane, and faith and your beliefs are another lane. I’m going to listen to all people. I want to understand all faiths. I want to visit your places of worship. I want to speak at various places of worship. I want to be inclusive at all times”.
Community Impact and Broader Significance
Kermally’s rise reflects broader changes in Sugar Land and Texas at large. The city boasts one of the highest concentrations of Asian Americans in the state and a significant Muslim population, with mosques and Islamic centers serving as vital community hubs. The Muslim community in Sugar Land is known for its diversity, civic engagement, and commitment to interfaith dialogue.
“The Muslim community in Sugar Land embodies the values of diversity, acceptance, and active citizenship, contributing to the multicultural fabric of Texas,” according to Iqra Sense.
Kermally’s leadership has inspired confidence among minority communities, who see his presence on the council as an opportunity for their voices to be heard and for their concerns to be addressed.
Challenges and Controversies
The mayoral campaign has not been without controversy. Kermally has faced criticism from pro-Palestinian demonstrators and some Muslim voters, particularly after a protester was briefly handcuffed during a campaign event at a local mosque. While Kermally denied involvement in the incident, the episode highlighted the complex interplay of regional and global issues in the race.
Some have also accused Kermally of siding with outgoing mayor Joe Zimmerman, who publicly supported Israel during the recent conflict. Zimmerman, a Southern Baptist, has endorsed another candidate, William Ferguson.
Despite these challenges, Kermally has remained focused on his vision for Sugar Land, emphasizing his record of service and his commitment to unity and progress.
Election Day and Future Prospects
As Election Day approaches, Kermally and four other candidates are vying to replace Joe Zimmerman, who has reached the end of his term after serving since 2016. Kermally, who leans Republican, is running in a nonpartisan race that has drawn attention for its potential to make history.
If elected, Kermally would become Sugar Land’s first Muslim mayor, a milestone for representation in a city that prides itself on diversity. His campaign has already sparked meaningful conversations about faith, identity, and the responsibilities of public service in a multicultural democracy.
“This is not about Naushad. This is about the love for the City of Sugar Land first and foremost,” Kermally told supporters after his 2019 council victory.
Regardless of the outcome, Kermally’s candidacy underscores the evolving face of Texas politics and the importance of inclusive leadership in today’s America.
Unity, Service, and a Vision for Sugar Land
Naushad Kermally’s journey from trauma nurse to business executive and public servant embodies the values of dedication, resilience, and community spirit. As he seeks to become Sugar Land’s next mayor, Kermally champions a vision of growth, unity, and service, promising to build a city where “every voice is heard, every family feels supported, and every opportunity is within reach”.
His campaign emphasizes the importance of representation and the impact of civic engagement in shaping the future of one of Texas’s most dynamic cities. As Sugar Land’s residents cast their ballots, the city stands at a crossroads, poised to embark on a new chapter in its rich and diverse history.