USA
Indian-American New York State Democratic Senator Kevin Thomas has officially entered the Presidential race, becoming a notable addition to the competition. Born in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and raised in the United States, Thomas joins three Indian-American Republican counterparts in the race: Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Hirsh Vardhan Singh. This unprecedented participation of Indian Americans from both major political parties signifies a growing and diverse representation within the country’s political landscape. As the race gains momentum, the presence of these candidates is sure to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the forefront of the national conversation.
New York State Senator Kevin Thomas, a native of Kerala, India, has declared his candidacy for the 4th Congressional District of New York as a Democrat. This announcement makes him the first Indian-American in the state’s history to seek a seat in the United States Congress.
Senator Thomas, known for his previous victory against a long-standing Republican incumbent in 2018, took to Twitter to make his intentions known. He tweeted, “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?”
Hailing from the vibrant state of Kerala in India, Kevin Thomas migrated to the United States in pursuit of the American dream. His journey has been one of resilience, determination, and public service. His notable tenure as a New York State Senator has been marked by efforts to advocate for progressive policies, champion civil rights, and address pressing issues facing the state and its diverse population.
Thomas’s decision to run for Congress comes as a testament to the growing political involvement of Indian Americans in the nation’s political landscape. As the first Indian-American to serve in the New York State Senate, his achievements have inspired countless others from similar backgrounds to take an active interest in public service.
If elected, Kevin Thomas plans to focus on several key issues that he is deeply passionate about. One of his primary objectives is to address the issue of gun violence, which continues to be a pressing concern for communities across the nation. Additionally, he aims to protect and strengthen democratic institutions while safeguarding the rights of all citizens.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the emergence of candidates like Kevin Thomas reflects the ongoing diversification of American politics. With the support of his constituents and the Indian-American community, his candidacy has the potential to mark a significant milestone in New York’s political history.
Thomas is an Indian-American of Malayalee descent. He was born in Satwa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to a family originating from Kerala. He has an older sister. Thomas attended St. Mary’s School in Dubai before he immigrated to the United States as a ten-year-old boy. He earned his bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University and his Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University’s Cooley Law School. Thomas worked for the New York Legal Assistance Group as an attorney and was an appointee of the US Commission on Civil Rights to the New York State Advisory Committee, a federal agency tasked with civil rights oversight.
