Vimal Patel, an Indian American entrepreneur, has officially announced his candidacy for the 2nd Congressional District seat in Alabama. As the Democratic contender, he is set to participate in the primary elections scheduled for March 5, 2024.
The geographical scope of the district in southern Alabama encompasses Montgomery County entirely and a portion of Mobile County. Patel will face competition from 13 Democratic and eight Republican candidates in this electoral race.
Patel utilized Facebook to share the news of his candidacy, emphasizing his non-political background and commitment to community leadership. In a post dated November 11, he expressed his concern about the actions of career politicians and called for collective action, stating, “Together, we must rise to fix it. We can choose a candidate who, when elected, will disrupt the system.”
This marks Patel’s second attempt at political office, having previously contested for the 2nd District seat in 2022, where he lost in the Democratic primary to Phyllis Harvey-Hall.
A first-generation American, Patel graduated from Charles Henderson High School in Troy and earned a degree in political science from Auburn University in 2007. Additionally, he obtained an associate real estate broker license in July 2020 and is affiliated with Team Linda Simmons Real Estate brokerage in Enterprise, Alabama. Patel is also reportedly involved in his family’s business, overseeing hotel properties in Troy, Montgomery, and Dothan, along with a laundromat in Eufaula.
