COLUMBUS, OH (TIP): Indian American Republican Niraj Antani, who was elected to the Ohio state Senate from the 6th District, was sworn-in on Monday, January 4. The lawmaker, who served as a State Representative from January 2015 until now, became the first Indian American State Senator in Buckeye state history.
“I am so grateful to be able to represent the community in which I was born and raised as a State Senator,” the senator said in a statement. “I will continue to work hard every day for each Ohioan so that they can have the opportunity to achieve their American dream. In this uncertain economic and health time, we must diligently strive to enact policies for the benefit of all Ohioans.”
Antani defeated Democrat Mark Fogel in the November election.
The 6th Senate District includes southern, eastern, and northern Montgomery County, which has an Indian American population of more than 87,000.
Antani said on the election night that “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,” he said.
“As State Senator, I will work hard every day so all Ohioans can have the opportunity to achieve their American Dream.” On December 17, the last day the Ohio House met, Antani thanked the voters and community for giving him an opportunity to serve. “I am so thankful to have been given the privilege to serve the community in which I was born & raised,” he wrote in a Facebook post. “Thank you to my voters, supporters, & everyone who has been here along this journey. I look forward to going across the rotunda to the State Senate!”
The senator, who was born and raised in the Miami Township, graduated from Miamisburg High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the Ohio State University
In Ohio, a State Senator has a four-year term.