Press Release

Indian American Impact Congratulates Endorsed Candidates on Historic Wins in Texas

For Immediate Release:
March 6, 2024

Contact: Sarah Shah
sarah@iaimpact.org 

Texas — Even as results continue to take shape following last night’s election, Indian American Impact proudly announces historic victories for its endorsed candidates in Texas: Sandeep Srivastava for Congress in TX-03, Salman Bhojani in HD-92, Suleman Lalani in HD-76, and Sherine Thomas for Travis County 353rd District Judge. 

With more than 500,000 South Asians residing in Texas, these victories reflect the growing influence of South Asian Americans in American politics. Since its inception in 2016, Indian American Impact has endorsed and supported 166 candidates across the country, contributing to the historic rise of Indian and South Asian American representation in politics. Through strategic investments and grassroots organizing, Impact has marshaled upwards of $20 million to candidates and robust voter mobilization and policy advocacy efforts, amplifying the voices of South Asian Americans and driving positive change in communities nationwide.

In Texas, Impact has a strong track record of supporting South Asian candidates and propelling them to victory. In 2022, seven of its eight endorsed candidates won their respective elections. Five were the first ever South Asians elected to their seats, including two to the Texas state legislature. 

Rish Oberoi, Indian American Impact’s Texas State Director, shared the following statement: 

“South Asian Americans are ascending to positions of leadership in public service at an extraordinary rate and Texas stands as a prime example. With more than 500,000 South Asians calling Texas home, the second highest concentration in the nation, we’re thrilled to see increased representation at all levels of government. 

Indian American Impact extends heartfelt congratulations to Sandeep Srivastava, Salman Bhojani, Sulman Lalani, and Sherine Thomas for their victories on Tuesday, and looks forward to supporting their continued campaigns in the months ahead. From winning the Democratic nomination in a Congressional district to prevailing in fiercely competitive judicial primaries, Indian and South Asian Americans are setting new benchmarks of excellence and representation in the Lone Star State.

Each of these trailblazers is committed to championing our community’s priorities such as public education and increasing access to healthcare. Their unwavering commitment promises to enhance the lives of all Texans.”

Across Texas, Big Wins for Indian American Impact’s Endorsed Candidates:

  • Sandeep Srivastava for Congress in TX-03
    • Sandeep Srivastava, a successful entrepreneur with decades of experience in IT, real estate, and child care, is renowned for his philanthropic efforts, including co-founding a nonprofit to assist fellow immigrants in finding stability in their communities. If elected in November, Srivastava would be the first Indian American to represent Texas in the U.S. Congress. In his second bid for the seat, we are honored to support Srivastava’s journey to serve his community. 
  • Salman Bhojani for his reelection in HD-92
    • Running unopposed in the primary, Salman Bhojani was first elected to the Texas State House in 2022 as one of the first two Muslim and South Asian members to the Texas state legislature. In his highly successful inaugural term, he spearheaded legislation allowing Texas public schools to recognize culturally important holidays such as Eid and Diwali. 
  • Suleman Lalani for his reelection in HD-76
    • Fending off a primary challenger, Suleman Lalani is one of the few physicians in the legislature. In his first term, Lalani sponsored legislation to make mental health care more affordable and successfully secured funding for the family practice residency program. He joined Salman Bhojani in 2022 as the first two South Asian state legislators in Texas. 
  • Sherine Thomas for Travis County 353rd District Judge

A board member for Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas and founding member of the India Coalition of Texas, Sherine Thomas is the first woman and first person of color to serve as an executive county attorney. As the county’s top litigator, she has tried cases at every level including state and federal appellate courts and the Texas Supreme Court.

And finally, Impact congratulates Taral Patel for securing the Democratic nomination in the Fort Bend County Commissioner Precinct 3 race and acknowledges the other three South Asian candidates in the race for their commendable efforts: Kiran Rao, Zeeshan Isaac, and Abrahim Javed.

Impact also endorsed and supported Karthik Soora in SD-15, Nasir Malik in SD-7, Shekar Sinha in HD-121, and Ravi Sandill for Harris County 127th Civil District Court Judge. While they came up short in their elections, we congratulate them on a well-fought campaign and thank them for their leadership. We thank Judge Sandill for nearly 15 years of leadership on the Harris County Civil District Court.

####
Indian American Impact is a national 501(c)(4) organization that elevates the voices of Indian Americans and South Asians to ensure that every level of government represents us and our values. Impact works to mobilize, engage and elect South Asians in an effort to build a world in which all Americans have the opportunity to thrive.