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Rakhi: Indian American attorney and community advocate Rakhi Israni has entered the race for the U.S. House of Representatives, framing her campaign around restoring civility, accountability, and public participation in policymaking. Announcing her candidacy last week, Israni said she is seeking to represent communities that feel increasingly disconnected from decisions affecting everyday concerns such as housing costs, healthcare access, and overall quality of life.

Motivation Behind the Congressional Run

Israni said her decision to seek federal office followed years of work in public service and policy-focused initiatives. In an interview with IANS, she explained that she felt compelled to step forward as political dialogue has become louder but less effective. According to Israni, persistent issues remain unresolved while public trust in governance continues to erode, prompting her to pursue a more direct role in shaping solutions.

Rapid Campaign Launch and Early Support

The campaign took shape quickly after California’s 14th Congressional District became an open seat. The district is currently represented by Democrat Eric Swalwell, who has announced a run for governor. Israni described the opportunity as unexpected but timely, saying she was encouraged by community leaders to run and help energize civic engagement. Within the first 24 hours of her announcement, her campaign reported raising more than $1 million, signaling strong early interest.

Background Rooted in Service and Family

Introducing herself to voters, Israni highlights her roles as a mother of four, an attorney, an entrepreneur, and an educator. She said her professional and personal experiences have shaped her understanding of the challenges families face. Her involvement in addressing food insecurity, homelessness, housing shortages, and affordability issues convinced her that broader policy influence was needed at the national level.

Profile of California’s 14th District

The 14th District spans several Bay Area communities, including Fremont, Hayward, Pleasanton, Livermore, and Dublin. Israni noted that the district has a diverse population, with Asians comprising about 40 percent of residents and Indian Americans representing one of the largest groups of registered voters of Indian origin nationwide. She described the area as highly educated, with relatively high household incomes and homeownership rates, and a strong focus on stability and opportunity for children.

Policy Focus on Everyday Quality of Life

Israni said her campaign priorities center on improving daily living conditions. She pointed to rising living expenses, housing affordability, and access to basic healthcare as issues repeatedly raised by constituents. Her policy approach, she said, is shaped by listening closely to residents affected by existing laws and identifying changes that can benefit the widest range of families.

Critique of Current Political Culture

Reflecting on the state of Congress, Israni expressed concern that policymaking has become overly driven by online attention rather than substantive outcomes. She argued that political debates often cater to a vocal minority, leaving many residents feeling overlooked. Rebuilding trust, she said, requires a renewed emphasis on duty, respect, and thoughtful problem-solving.

Views on Competition and Foreign Policy

Looking ahead to the race, Israni said she expects resistance from those comfortable with maintaining existing political norms. She encouraged voters to evaluate policies based on their long-term effects, particularly on future generations. On foreign policy, she emphasized that while her primary responsibility would be local representation, strong U.S.–India relations remain important, especially given the district’s ties to the technology sector near Silicon Valley.

Values, Heritage, and Representation

Israni describes herself as guided by “dharmic” principles, using the concept of duty and service as a framework for decision-making rather than a religious identifier. Her parents immigrated to the United States in 1967 for education and settled in Houston, instilling in her a commitment to community involvement. If elected, Israni would become the seventh Indian American in the House of Representatives and only the second Indian American woman to serve, reflecting the community’s growing role in national public life.