(Top L-R) Audrey Nath, Karen Bhatia, Diya Patel (Bottom L-R) Arjun Jaikumar, Minita Sanghvi, Kim Singh, Mira Tanna / (Top L-R) audreynathforhisd.com, karenbhatia.com, LinkedIn (Bottom L-R) X (@ArjunJaikumar), X (Minita Sanghvi), kimsinghformason.com, X (Mira Tanna)

Indian American Impact on Oct. 23 announced endorsements for a new slate of Indian-origin candidates contesting local elections across the United States.

The organization expressed support for— Mira Tanna in Orlando, Florida; Karen Bhatia in Nassau County, New York; Kim Singh in Mason, Ohio; Audrey Nath in Houston, Texas; Diya Patel in Parsippany, New Jersey; Arjun Jaikumar in Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Minita Sanghvi in Saratoga Springs, New York.

Also Read: Ballot box spotlight: Indian Americans in key races

Mira Tanna: Orlando City Council

Indian American Impact described Tanna as “a seasoned city grants manager, civil rights advocate, and transit rider.”

Responding to the endorsement, Tanna said, “I’m proud to have the endorsement of Indian American Impact. I celebrate my Indian heritage, and I would be honored to serve as the first elected Indian American Orlando City Commissioner and to be a bridge between the Indian American community and City Hall.”

A grants manager for the City of Orlando, Tanna oversees about $275 million in city grant programs. Her campaign focuses on making neighborhoods more walkable and transit-friendly, easing congestion, and supporting small businesses. 

She has raised over $11,000 within two weeks of launching her bid and received the endorsement of fellow candidate Aaron Lewis, who withdrew to support her.

From school boards to city councils, we're thrilled to endorse nine more inspiring South Asian leaders who are stepping up to serve the needs of their communities.

Meet the state and local candidates building a better future — and make a plan to vote at https://t.co/VPAEEuXpGO:

— Indian American Impact (@IA_Impact) October 22, 2025

Karen Bhatia: Nassau County Legislator, District 18

Born in Brazil to a Brazilian mother and Indian father, Bhatia has lived in Nassau County for more than two decades. 

She began her career at a Wall Street law firm before founding her own practice advising startups and later led New York City’s technology-sector strategy at the Economic Development Corporation, overseeing a $200 million innovation portfolio.

Her campaign, launched in May 2025, centers on affordability, innovation, and mobility, with a focus on bringing pragmatic and inclusive leadership to local government.

Kim Singh: Mason City Council, Ohio

Indian American Impact highlighted Singh’s focus on transparent local government and community safety.

A longtime public servant with more than 16 years in local government, Singh currently serves in a leadership role with the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Raised in a first-generation Indian American family, Singh has been recognized by the National Board of Certified Counselors and the YWCA of Cincinnati for her community work.

Her campaign emphasizes accountability, inclusion, and expanding access for residents with disabilities.

Audrey Nath: Houston Independent School District Board, District VII

Indian American Impact said it endorsed Nath for her commitment to bring “compassion, crisis-response experience, and a clear vision to restore transparency.”

A pediatric neurologist and HISD parent, Nath has pledged to restore local control to the district following the state’s takeover and to improve funding and access to special education. 

She raised more than $31,000 between July and September 2025, according to campaign filings, and has made transparency, fiscal accountability, and student-centered decision-making the core of her platform.

Diya Patel: Parsippany Town Council, New Jersey

Patel is running as a Democratic candidate for the Parsippany Town Council with priorities that include transparency in governance and greater youth involvement in civic life. 

She is part of a local Democratic slate alongside Pulkit Desai and Matt Kavanagh and has been endorsed by the women’s political organization Elect Women NJ.

Arjun Jaikumar: Cambridge School Committee, Massachusetts

Born in Boston and raised in Newton, Jaikumar has lived in Cambridge for over two decades. A public-service attorney for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, he previously worked in private practice and served as a law clerk on the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

His campaign calls for closing achievement gaps and improving transparency within the Cambridge Public Schools. Jaikumar has credited his father’s immigration from India in 1968 as shaping his belief in education as a pathway to opportunity.

Minita Sanghvi: Saratoga County Supervisor, New York

Indian American Impact cited Sanghvi’s background as “the city finance commissioner and an educator.”

Sanghvi currently serves on the Saratoga Springs City Council and teaches management and business at Skidmore College. She is the first openly gay and first woman of color to serve on the city council. 

Her campaign for Saratoga County Supervisor focuses on participatory budgeting, infrastructure improvements, and affordable housing, including the expansion of accessory dwelling units.