Indian-American businessman from Illinois running for U.S. Congress

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Businessman Krishna Bansal is running for the U.S. Congress from District 11 in Illinois.

He formally announced his candidacy for the party nomination Dec. 16, 2019 at a launch event attended by more than 200 people including 20 elected officials, at the Bollingbrook Golf Club, a press release from Bansal’s campaign said.

The primary for this race is scheduled for March 17, 2020. To date, Bansal has one other Republican signed up to contest the party nomination, Rick Laib. In 2014, Bansal had run against Democrat Sephanie A. Kifowit for the U.S. House from District 84, and secured nearly 42 percent of the vote against her 58.1 percent.

Bansal, who is a Republican, says, “I am running for Congress because I love our country. I will promote and defend her against the threats from socialism, career politicians, and out of control taxes and spending.”

Among those who endorsed Bansal at the launch were U.S. Army veteran and former State Representative and current 6th District Republican candidate for Congress Jeanne Ives, who also led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. Others present were Mike Reilly, a Naperville Park Board Member and former Wheatland Township Supervisor; former Naperville State Rep Darlene Senger; and Republican National Committeewoman Demetra DeMonte.

Bansal’s daughter Deeya, 17, shared a tribute to her father and introduced him to the audience.

“I believe in this great nation, its values and its constitution in the entirety,” Bansal is quoted saying during the launch, adding, “This great nation has given me a lot, made my dream real. Now I want to work to keep this American dream real…for all of us.”

The entrepreneur, philanthropist and community leader based in Naperville/Aurora, came to the U.S. 20 years ago and has served in several capacities in local and state administrations, apart from being the founder and CEO of software solutions company Q1Tech and MyTecq. As a volunteer, he is involved with  education, business and civic organizations. He has run for offices including District 204 School Board and Illinois State Assembly.

He has been the Planning and Zoning Commissioner for Naperville; co-chair of the Technology Council, as well as board member of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce; president of the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce (Midwest Region); founder and chairman of the Indian Community Outreach Organization; a board member of the Indian American Republican Organization; member of the Advisory Council of Kids Matter; chair of the advisory council of ISKCON Temple in Naperville, among other positions.

Bansal’s priorities spelled out on his election website krishnaforcongress.com, include – prosecuting corruption in politics; an ‘America First’ foreign policy; streamlining legal immigration and strengthening borders “to keep illegals, drugs and terrorists out”; preserving and protecting Social Security and Medicare; improve and specialize education and provide incentives for STEM and Trades; bringing back manufacturing and service jobs; keeping America safe, honoring service members and veterans; and imposing term limits on elected officials.

During the launch, Bansal spoke out against the impeachment of President Trump, calling the process “one sided and partisan.”

Supporter Vasavi Chakka announced the formation of a grassroots group, Women for Krishna, at the event. Other key co-hosts of the launch event included Congressman Darin LaHood (R-Peoria), Will County Republican Chairman George Pearson, Kane County Circuit Clerk Tom Hartwell, Kane County Auditor Terry Hunt, and Illinois State Representatives Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield), Grant Wehrli (R-Naperville), and Keith Wheeler (R-Oswego).

Other leaders who extended Bansal their strong support included Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider, DuPage County Republican Chairman Marty Keller. and Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico, businessman Shalabh Kumar, Republican activist Dr. Bharat Barai, and Schaumburg Township trustee Nimish Jani.