State Rep from Ohio Niraj Antani declares run for State Senate, says Indian-American support important

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Ohio State Representative Niraj Antani, a Republican, announced his bid for the State Senate today, looking ahead to 2020. Rep. Antani is the youngest Indian American and Hindu American elected official in the United States of America, his press release notes.

If he wins his party’s primary in March, he would be the first in Ohio history to confront a Democrat for the seat. He serves as the 2^nd Indian American elected official in Ohio history, preceded by Jay Goyal, a Democrat who served in the Ohio House of Representatives for three terms from 2007-2013.

If elected as State Senator, Antani would become the highest ranking Indian American elected official in Ohio history, and the first Indian American State Senator in that state’s history.

“I have been serving the Indian American community, our physicians, our hoteliers, our IT experts. As a State Senator I will be able to do more for them,” Antani said.

For starters, Antani would have to raise anywhere from $350,000 to $500,000 for the primary race alone.

He noted that Ohio is a very important presidential swing state, adding, “Having the first Indian-American State Senator would be very important.”

Antani, who was born and brought up in Miamisburg, Ohio, and is serving his 3rd term said he would be replacing State Senator Peggy Lehner who is term limited next year. Ohio Senate District 6 encompasses most Dayton area suburbs. Each of the 33 State Senators in Ohio represent approximately 360,000 Ohioans.

“The Indian-American community has supported me from the very beginning, and their continued support is very important for the race, ” Antani told this correspondent.

“I fully expect the Republican primary election in March of 2020 to be one of the most competitive races in Ohio, but I am confident with your support, we will win!” Antani said in a press release.

He has been a State Representative since 2014. I have worked hard every day to make the opportunity of the American Dream achievable for all Ohioans who work for it,” Antani said making his case.

“If I am elected your State Senator, I will work tirelessly to use our principles and values to solve the challenges our community and state faces,” he emphasized.

A graduate of The Ohio State University, Antani has received several awards as a legislator – the AMVETS Ohio Legislator of the Year award for his work helping veterans, the Friend of Community Colleges award from the Ohio Association of Community Colleges and the Distinguished Government Service award from the Ohio Association of Career Colleges & Schools for his work advancing workforce development, the press release from his office said.