India Post News Service
WASHINGTON DC: The Indian American Impact Fund (‘Impact Fund’) has announced its final five candidate endorsements of the 2018 election cycle. They are Jeremy Cooney, New York State Senate (District 56), Alex Karjeker, and Texas State House (District 129). Rupande Mehta, Freeholder, Morris County, New Jersey, Anu Natarajan, Bay Area Rapid Transit Board of Directors (District 6) and Kevin Thomas, New York State Senate (District 6)
Jeremy Cooney was born in an Indian orphanage and adopted by a courageous single mother. He grew up in an Irish family in Rochester, New York. He has devoted his career to giving back – from the YMCA to the Mayor’s office – and is running for office to advance a bold, forward-looking agenda where everyone can earn a living wage and has the opportunity to get ahead.
Alex Karjekergrew up in the Houston Bay Area, Alex was heavily influenced by his paternal family, anti-Apartheid activists who fought for their equal rights as citizens of Indian origin in South Africa. After studying at the University of Texas and Georgetown, Alex worked for Morgan Stanley and Uber, and in 2017, successfully lobbied the Texas State Legislature for more affordable transportation options and to create more jobs for Texans.
Rupande Mehta: In 2002, Rupande came to the United States in search of freedom, equality, and economic opportunity. After earning her MBA and Masters in Public Administration, working for over a decade, and volunteering for domestic violence organizations, Rupande decided to run for office shortly after becoming a naturalized citizen in 2017.
Anu Natarajan, for 10 years, served as Council Member and Vice Mayor for the City of Fremont. With a Masters of Urban Planning and Urban Design, and as current Chair of the BART Bond Oversight Committee, she understands the importance of a safe, clean and reliable transit system. She is running for BART Board of Directors to improve and grow BART’s infrastructure.
Kevin Thomasan attorney and an appointee of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights to the New York State Advisory Committee, is running for New York State Senate to fight for Long Island families. An Indian American who immigrated to the United States with his family when he was ten years old, he believes every New Yorker should have the same opportunities that he had to pursue the American dream.
“In our final round of formal endorsements, Impact Fund is proud to support five incredibly talented women and men running from coast to coast,” said Deepak Raj, co-founder of Impact and chair of the Impact Fund. “With strong support from our community over the next six weeks, I am confident we can get them across the finish line.”
“Even as we work to expand our ranks in Congress, we must also work to expand our numbers in state and local office,” added Raj Goyle, co-founder of Impact and a former member of the Kansas House of Representatives. “When elected, these leaders will be well positioned to work on issues that Indian Americans – and all Americans – care about, like education, health care, and jobs.”
A political action committee, Impact Fund works with experienced operatives, campaign strategists, and donors to endorse candidates based on their viability and commitment to advocating for the needs and values of the Indian American community. A full list of Impact Fund’s endorsed candidates can be found at www.iaimpact.org.
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