New York State’s Indian American Senator announces run for US Congress

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Democratic State Senator of New York Kevin Thomas, an Indian American, declared his run for the 4^th Congressional District July 26, 2023. Thomas announced his bid to defeat D’Esposito yesterday at his parents’ house in Elmont.

The 4^th is currently occupied by incumbent Republican Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, a former police detective who came to Capitol Hill just this year.

“My name is Kevin Thomas and I’m running for Congress to take back #NY04. In 2018, I beat a 40-year Republican incumbent, so I’m no stranger to a challenge. I’m ready to fight for our rights, tackle gun violence, and protect our democracy. Are you with me?” Sen. Thomas tweeted.

On his Twitter (X) account, he now describes himself as “Proud husband and girl dad. Sitting New York State Senator. Running for Congress in #NY04 to deliver real results for Long Islanders.”

Just 24 hours after announcing his candidaccy, Thomas declared he had raised $109,000 against Republican D’Esposito.  in New York’s 4th Congressional District.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the early and astounding support for our campaign. In Congress, I’ll never stop fighting to help Long Island families, tackle the gun violence epidemic, protect our environment, and defend a woman’s right to choose,” Thomas said in his July 27 statement.

Thomas has to first get past the Democrats contending for the same seat. To date, several fellow Democrats have filed to run for the 4th Congressional District, among them, former Hempstead, NY Supervisor Laura Gillen, and former figure skater Sarah Hughes, according to news reports.

A familiar figure in Indian American events, including championing sports like cricket and festivals like Diwali, Thomas currently represents New York’s 6^th Senate District in Nassau County.

The former public interest attorney, was elected to the State Senate in 2018, becoming the first Indian American ever to serve in the NY State Legislature.

He has been serving on important committees including Judiciary, Finance, Banking, Aging, Veterans, Homeland Security, and Military Affairs.

A video on his Twitter site recounts his journey since he came with his parents to America as a 10 year-old.

“In Albany, I delivered real results for New Yorkers — raised the minimum wage, guaranteed the right to an abortion in New York, and lead the successful effort to ban gun sales to those under 21. Now I’m running for Congress in #NY04 because New Yorkers deserve real results,” Sen. Thomas goes on to say.

Prior to his election to the NY Senate, Thomas was an appointee of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and an attorney with the nonprofit New York Legal Assistance Group, where he defended clients who had been unfairly targeted by large lenders.

Thomas grew up in Queens and received his J.D. from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School. He lives in Levittown with his wife, Rincy, daughter, Layla, and dog, Sirius.