Two Indian American Republicans Vying for Nomination to U.S. Congress Seat From Indiana’s 5th District

Two Indian Americans from Indiana are seeking to be the first desi Republicans in the U.S. Congress, announcing their bid for a seat in the U.S. Congress from the state’s 5th District in the May 2024 Republican primary. Businessman Raju Chinthala, treasurer of the Hamilton County Republican Party, and entrepreneur Sid Mahant are among four running to replace Rep. Victoria Spartz in the May 2024 Primary.

The two are running to replace Rep. Victoria Spartz, who announced in February she would not seek reelection. Noblesville state Rep. Chuck Goodrich and nonprofit president Matthew Peiffer have also announced campaigns for the seat. 

Chinthala is the founder and president of the Indiana India Business Council and a senior advisor for India at the Indiana Economic Development Corp. His mission is “to give back to our community and country, putting an end to actions that burden future generations,” he says in a Facebook post announcing his bid. “Together, we can ensure a brighter future with greater freedom and liberty for all. Rather than leaving problems unresolved, let’s work together to fix them.”

 Born in India, Chinthala moved to the U.S. in 1994 and relocated to the Hoosier state in 1996. “My experience in Indiana has been varied and successful and helped me to understand this community and its great people,” Chinthala told Current, a local newspaper for Indiana’s Carmel County. “I’ve been a speech-language pathologist, helping thousands through their difficulties,” he said. “As a businessman, I’ve managed various enterprises, helped create better health care and been a key player in  acquiring investments in our state and our country totaling more than $500 million.”

He told the newspaper that he’s “driven” by his “firm belief that the Constitution should be honored, valued, and upheld. That leaders should serve people, not special interests. That families should be free from government intrusion. And that government should be smaller, smarter, and more efficient.” He continued: “Our military must be strong. Veterans should have the best care and opportunities. Our culture should respect and protect life. And America should be energy independent.”

He has been recognized for his efforts with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and has received the Sagamore of the Wabash twice – once from former Indiana Gov. Mike Pence and more recently by Gov. Eric Holcomb. He currently resides in Carmel, Indiana with his wife, Dr. Prasanna Chinthala and his son, Anoop Chinthala.

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Mahant came to America at the age of 23 “with $850, the shirt on his back, and a dream, the American dream that anyone from anywhere can succeed with hard work and diligence,” according to his website. He worked a variety of jobs, from janitor, convenience store manager, nursing assistant, salesman, and small restaurant owner, to truck driver. “His path was filled with frustration, discrimination, and failure, his determination never wavered,” the website noted. After moving to Indiana, he built a trucking empire qhich began with a mobile truck repair shop that now employs over 400 Hoosiers. He decided to run for Congress “to ensure that the opportunity for the American dream will always be a beacon of hope and accessible to future generations.”

Photos:  Sid Mahant: https://www.facebook.com/sidforcongress, Raju Chinthala: https://www.facebook.com/rajuforindiana