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Rakhi Israni campaign centers on sewa
Rakhi Israni says her campaign draws from sewa, immigrant roots and community service to build a more inclusive future.
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Staff Reporter - Mon, 25, May 2026
- 15:44 EDT
- 38
Rakhi Israni / Handout
Washington: Rakhi Israni, candidate for California’s 14th Congressional District, puts “sewa” or service, at the heart of her campaign. With a background rooted in service, community building, and a deep sense of giving back to society, the lawyer and educator said her upbringing shaped both her personal values and political ambitions.
A daughter of immigrants, Israni said that when her parents immigrated to the United States in 1967, there were few Indian Americans in Houston. The search for belonging pushed her parents toward community-building efforts and volunteer work.
Also Read: CA-14 has a clear choice: Rakhi Israni or Aisha Wahab?
“Growing up, I ended up going to a lot of youth camps and participated in different sewa activities involving the community. Eventually, this left a big imprint on me about giving back and influencing, impacting or inspiring others to be a part of the community and to give back,” Israni, who is running as a Democrat, said.
She added that bringing people together and building inclusive communities remained central to her campaign vision.
While the special election to replace former Congressman Eric Swalwell is scheduled for August 18, the Democratic primary is set for June 16. The primary for the permanent seat will be held on June 2.
A Life Defined by Sewa
After attending law and business schools in Texas, Israni moved to California in 2003, where she founded an education company with a national presence.
While raising four children and building her business, she remained active in community initiatives, mentoring children and using her legal background to assist families and individuals in crisis.
For Israni, running for Congress represents a continuation of the service-oriented work she has already pursued for years.
“I think it's the natural progression of wanting to make an impact, wanting to empower people to influence good change. And that's the main reason that I'm running,” Israni said.
She added that much of her concern is centered around younger generations and the uncertainty they increasingly feel about the future.
“I've been very actively involved with children, whether it's through my business or through nonprofit work. And I think the biggest concern I have is that they see a world not as hopeful as one would have felt 10 or 20 years back,” she said.
Immigrant Roots as a Policy Foundation
As a first-time politician from an immigrant background, Israni said immigration reform remains one of the issues closest to her campaign.
She described the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act as landmark legislation that helped immigrants like her parents build lives in the United States by emphasizing inclusivity regardless of national origin.
According to Israni, current immigration systems fail to recognize the broader economic and community benefits immigrants bring to the country.
“We need to strengthen the immigration system, hire more judges, so that people aren't waiting a decade to get their green cards,” she said.
Further Israni added, “They can actually move on with their lives. They can travel if they need to. So, looking at the policies and looking at how they're implemented, and looking at how they affect people's lives, and how do we use those policies to strengthen the country? That's ultimately what we want to focus on.”
Why California’s 14th District
Israni said California’s 14th Congressional District reflects many of the values that have shaped her own life story, including diversity, entrepreneurship, and civic participation.
She said her experiences as the daughter of immigrants, an educator, a lawyer, and a business owner have helped her understand the concerns of families navigating economic uncertainty and social change.
Her campaign, she added, focuses on restoring faith in public service and encouraging broader community engagement.
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