Shrestha was born in Kathmandu, Nepal, and moved to the United States in 2001 to study computer science at the New York Institute of Technology.[3] She became an American citizen in 2019.[4] She became interested in socialist politics as a college student.[5]
Career
Shrestha is affiliated with Public Power NY, a coalition of clean energy advocacy organizations.[6] She has also worked as a graphic designer and is the co-chair of the Democratic Socialists of America's Ulster County chapter.[7] Shrestha focused her campaign on climate and renewable energy policy.[8][9] She was endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America, Working Families Party, and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.[10] Shrestha was elected in November 2022 and assumed office on January 1, 2023.[11][12] In the 2024 primary elections, she was leading with 9,052 votes more than her counterpart, Gabi Madden.<ref name="primary elections">