Washington, DC – Jitendra Diganvker, popularly known as JD, a successful business owner with an excellent track record as a community worker, announced his run for the US House of Representatives in the 2018 Congressional elections.
JD now faces a Republican party primary challenge from a high-flying Indian American woman, Vandana Jhingan. Both JD and his challenger Jhingan would have to win the Republican primary scheduled for March 8 for the 8th Congressional District, with nearly 12% Indian-American population. The winner would be pitted against Democratic incumbent Raja Krishnamoorthi, who the local population says, has forgotten the local ills and challenges since shifting to Washington, DC after his victory.
JD, who is not a career politician, told IAT that he is running to give a voice to the hard-working middle-class Americans that are too often ignored by career politicians in DC.
“I have seen first-hand how burdensome government regulations and rising healthcare costs can discourage the entrepreneurial spirit,” JD stated.
JD and his wife, Nalini, who live in Schaumburg with their son, Deep, have witnessed tragedy in their personal lives as they lost their two daughters in a house fire in 1999. Instead of throwing JD into depression, this tragedy drove him to become the compassionate community servant he is today. He volunteers tirelessly for the community and has made it his life’s goal to give people hope.
“I am not a politician. While most politicians pass laws yet never feel the effects of their actions, I come from real America. I have felt these struggles and know first-hand the consequences of Washington’s action, and inaction, on issues important to middle-class families. I will be the voice of everyday Americans in Washington.”
In addition to Raja Krishnamoorthi from Illinois, the US House of Representative currently has three more Indian Americans: Ami Bera from California, Ro Khanna also from California, and Pramila Jayapal from Washington State. All of them would be seeking re-election next year. In the US Senate, Kamala Harris is the first Indian-origin American Senator and was elected to the Senate last year.
Tejinder Singh, Editor, India America Today & White House Correspondent