COLUMBUS, OH (TIP): Republican Niraj Antani, who in 2014 became the youngest member of the Ohio state house, made history again on Tuesday, November 3,  by being elected as Ohio’s first Indian-American state senator.

Antani defeated Democrat Mark Fogel in the senate’s sixth district, which encompasses most of Montgomery county of the state with an Indian American population of over 87,000.

“I am so grateful for the continued support of this community in which I was born and raised,” said Antani, 29, currently serving his third term in the Ohio House.

“My grandparents lived much of their life under British rule in India, only gaining their freedom seven decades ago,” he recalled.

“That it is possible for their grandson to be elected as Ohio’s first Indian American State Senator is a testament to America’s beauty.” “I thank the voters for entrusting in me with this sacred honor, to be their voice at the Statehouse,” Antani said.

“As State Senator, I will work hard every day so all Ohioans can have the opportunity to achieve their American Dream.”

Antani was born and raised in Miami Township, and he graduated from the Miamisburg High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the Ohio State University

Antani was first elected to the Ohio statehouse in 2014, from the 42nd District. At 23, he was the youngest member of the House.

He was the first Indian American Republican to serve in the Ohio House and second to get elected from the community to the statehouse.