Indian American attorney, educator, and mother of four, Rakhi Israni, announced her candidacy for California’s 14th Congressional District on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for reform-minded leadership amid rising costs and political polarization. Her campaign launch featured a video on social media outlining her personal and professional background and her commitment to public service.
“This moment calls on each of us to serve a purpose greater than ourselves and to stand firmly on the side of truth,” Israni said. She added that the values she shares with her husband and children inspire her campaign, which aims to tackle challenges facing families across the Bay Area and beyond.
Israni positioned herself as a pragmatic problem-solver, calling for leadership that moves away from divisive rhetoric and focuses on practical solutions. “Today’s politics are defined by division and extreme rhetoric. It is crucial to elect a member of Congress who prioritizes problem-solving and protects our communities from the threats of hate and polarization,” she said.
If elected, Israni would become the second Indian American woman in the U.S. House of Representatives and the first from California. Currently, six Indian Americans serve in Congress, including Ami Bera, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Pramila Jayapal, Shri Thanedar, and Suhash Subramanyam.
A longtime Fremont resident, Israni has spent over two decades raising her family while building her professional career. She founded a national test-preparation company, mentoring thousands of students, and has provided legal services for underserved clients in family law and estate planning. She has also served as PTA president across multiple schools and volunteered with faith-based humanitarian organizations, interfaith councils, and national nonprofit boards, demonstrating a history of civic engagement.
California’s 14th District spans diverse eastern Bay Area communities and has been a central focus in recent elections due to debates over the cost of living, education, and governance. Israni’s campaign prioritizes alleviating economic pressures on families, fostering unity, and advancing practical, solution-driven leadership for the district.
