Yash Asarasa has become the first Indian American to be elected to the Rusk City Council in East Texas.

Yash Asarsa arrived in the United States more than two decades ago with $950. On May 14, 2026, he was sworn in as a member of the Rusk City Council, becoming the first person from India to hold elected office in the small East Texas city. Assarsa, owner of the TruCarz gas station in Rusk, won the District 3 seat unopposed in the May 2, 2026 election. His victory is a milestone in the community of about 5,000 residents in Cherokee County, about 130 miles southeast of Dallas.Born in India, Asarasa said he was attracted to Texas western culture and cowboy imagery. What kept him at Rusk, he said, were the people there. After operating and growing his business for more than 15 years, he has become a familiar face behind the counter at TrueCare, interacting daily with residents from all walks of life.“This community embraced me,” Asarasa told CBS19. “This community made me who I am, so I think I’m very grateful to this community.”After seeing the division in the community he decided to contest the elections. Asarasa said, “I believe God has given us two ears and one mouth, so listen twice and speak once.” “I’m a good listener and that’s what makes me different. I can understand people’s problems.”He believes his experience in retail has prepared him well for public service. “You see people from all walks of life and you learn how to understand people better,” he said.As a new council member, Assarsa has outlined several priorities: fixing roads, hiring a police chief, addressing the city’s budget deficit, and revitalizing Downtown Rusk. Most of all, he wants residents to feel heard. He also sees his role from a broader perspective. “I feel like I am a representative of India – an ambassador of India,” Asarasa said.The election of an Indian-origin man to a city council in Texas comes at a time when the state is angry over Indian takeover. Dallas and Frisco have become centers of anti-India sentiments. But Asarasa doesn’t care. “If you work hard and have passion, all dreams are possible in this wonderful country,” Asarasa said.Assarsa ran unopposed for the seat and will work closely with other council members as the city tackles local challenges. His swearing-in took place at Rusk City Hall. In the city where he started out as an immigrant business owner, Asarsa’s choice reflects the community that embraced him more than 15 years ago. From the gas station counter to the council chamber, his story is rooted in service to the very people who embraced him.