Two Members of Congress endorse Indian-American candidate from Arizona

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Arizona Members of Congress Ann Kirkpatrick and Tom O’Halleran on June 19, endorsed Dr. Hiral Tipirneni, an Indian-American  Democrat running for Congress.

“Hiral’s background as an emergency room doctor and cancer research advocate proves that she is a fighter who will do whatever it takes to make the lives of Arizonans better,” said Congresswoman Kirkpatrick, quoted in a press release from Tipirneni. “We have had enough of leaders who put special interests above people. It’s time for fresh leadership,” 

“Hiral is the right candidate to represent Arizona’s 6^th District,” said Congressman O’Halleran. “She understands firsthand that Arizona families are facing real challenges when it comes to issues like health care and education, and I couldn’t be prouder to stand with her in this fight.”

Tipirneni, one of two Indian-American candidates running for the U.S. Congress from District 6 in Arizona, was endorsed last month by the largest union in Arizona. The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 99, said Tipirneni was the “right candidate” to defeat incumbent Republican David Schweikert.

Tipirneni, who secured 44.5 percent of the vote against Republican Debbie Lesko from Arizona’s heavily Republican District 8, in 2018, hopes now to defeat Schweikert in District 6. In 2018 elections, another Indian-American Democrat, Anita Malik, a computer and finance expert as well as journalist, tried defeating Schweikert. Malik garnered 44.8 percent against Schweikert’s 55.2 percent.

“I am so honored to have the support of these strong Arizona leaders and I’m thrilled to partner with them in the fight to bring real representation to all corners of our state,” said Tipirneni. “Now more than ever, it is critical that we put partisanship aside and work together to get things done for our communities.”

International Brotherhood of Teamsters Union Local 104, and Communications Workers of America Arizona State Council have also endorsed Tipirneni.

An emergency room physician serving the Phoenix area for many years, Tipirneni switched to evaluating and directing funding for cutting-edge cancer research, after losing her mother and nephew to cancer. She now leads teams of researchers, clinicians, and patient advocates to treat and cure breast cancer, prostate cancer, and childhood leukemia, a press release from her campaign said..

Tipirneni will have to overcome the hurdle of the Democratic primary, scheduled late into the campaign on Aug. 25, 2020, where, Malik and at least one other Democrat are also running.

Tipirneni told News India Times in an earlier interview that she is not worried about Malik or other candidates she has to defeat in the primary.

“From day one, I’m running against David Schweikert. I’m not looking to tear down other Democrats,” Tipirneni told News India Times. “Our goal is to bring him (Schweikert) down. And I am that person,” she added. Having another Indian-American in the race, Tipirneni said, “is a good thing and shows our community is more engaged today than before.”