On The Record - Farrukh Shamsi

For this episode of On The Record, we speak with Farrukh Shamsi, SDEC Committeeman for Senate District 7 from Houston and Treasurer for the Asian American Democrats of Texas PAC.

How did you get started in politics? Did you come to it in your youth or later on?

You could say my Democratic leanings started early. When I was in seventh grade in Houston in 1977, I was fascinated with Jimmy Carter, his famous smile and Dan Akroyd’s take of him on Saturday Night Live. I picked up his mannerisms and speech and used to do a pretty dead-on impression of the President to entertain my friends.

I became involved in student government during my college years and held various office positions in different organizations. I used to follow politics with a passion. When Bill Clinton and Al Gore went on their road trip in 1992 and Fleetwood Mac’s, “Don’t Stop Thinking about Tomorrow” would play in the background, and that was a real connection with the past and the future.

After Clinton and Gore were elected, I became an officer and board member of a state-wide professional organization and eventually reached the level of the presidency.

What was your personal progression from the role of activist to the role of SDEC Committeeman?

The progression here was probably a little bit fast and unexpected. When I saw W’s smirk as he seized the Presidency in 2000, I was so irritated and outraged, I immediately began the transition from outspoken voter to activist.

I eventually ran for the precinct chair position in my area and won. Through relentless efforts and strong nudges from friends, family, and my fellow Democrats, I made it as a Kerry delegate to the State Convention in 2004. As I got to know even more people and tried to participate wherever I could, I was asked to be on the preliminary platform committee for the 2006 State Convention and knowing that I helped play a small part in creating our
platform is something I will never forget.

I was encouraged by seasoned Democrats to run for SDEC Committeeman for Senate District 7. I was worried about time away from my wife and four children, but it was my wife who encouraged me. She truly felt that I could make a difference.

At the 2006 State Convention in Ft. Worth I ran for the position, and I was stunned when I won. Having been in the position now for almost 18 months has been a great experience. The support I have received from my fellow Democrats all over the State has been phenomenal. My elevation to co-chair of the Resolutions Committee was a great honor also.

As far as my political future is concerned, I think whatever is meant to be will be. Right now I’m having an incredible experience participating in our TDP activities.

What would you say are the primary issues concerning your area of Houston?

Our primary issue of concern here is that we have to turn Harris County blue in 2008, and I think we’re going to do it. We have some highly motivated and well-qualified candidates seeking office. Winning Harris County is not enough. Texas would look very nice in blue.

Who are some of your political heroes?

Thomas Jefferson comes to mind immediately. The amount of relentless research and passion he put into preparing for the writing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution is noteworthy. The effort worked by helping to produce the single most important and well-written constitution in the world.

Another hero is someone who after having been shoved aside wrongly and with extreme prejudice came back in the last two years as a person reinvented with an idea that has enhanced a worldwide movement like nothing ever before: Al Gore.

What are you looking forward to in the coming cycle?

I can’t wait for the political season to start. I enjoy the events, the campaigns, and the conventions. I am looking forward to the coming cycle because I truly believe we are meant and destined to win big.

Tell us a little bit about the Asian American Democrats Texas PAC (AADT), and what roles you feel like you fulfill in that group, official or otherwise.

Of course my primary role in the party is as the Senate District 7 Committeeman, but I am pleased that AADT achieved the status of an add-on organization at the State Convention.

When the PAC was formed last year, I was asked to be the treasurer. I feel like I help provide a bridge to other organizations, candidates, and elected officials. It’s important to note that Asian Americans are starting to vote as a block in much larger numbers as a percentage of their population which can really help Democrats in the short run in close elections.

I think continuing to encourage political activism and voting is important participation for AADT. Unofficially, I use any social gathering I can to encourage anyone I meet, including Asian Americans, to become active in politics (and to vote Democratic, of course).

My own philosophies on Democratic politics have slowly evolved. It’s important to help everyone gain a better understanding of what’s really happening around them. This is the age of reality television, and I think the public wants real politicians who aren’t afraid of saying what they really think.