2nd generation Indian-American Ravi Patel announces to run for the House of Representatives from Iowa, becoming the second Democrat to enter the race from 1st Congressional District in the State for the 2016 elections.

“I am not a politician. I am a pro-growth progressive,”  Ravi said earlier this week as he announced his decision to run for Congress. “Our country is facing many complex challenges, and the solutions to those challenges include all of us. We need a fresh perspective and new leadership. We need a Congressman who is an innovative thinker; who is genuinely interested in serving our country and seeing it succeed,” Patel said.

Ravi Patel was born in Mena, Arkansas and graduated from University of Iowa. He currently is the President and Principal of the family business Hawkeye Hotels. 

Patel’s grandparents were farmers in India, and his parents worked multiple jobs when they first immigrated to the United States. His family purchased a small roadside motel in Mena, Arkansas after immigrating to United Sates and then moved to burlington, Iowa as they constantly grew the family business

The seat is currently held by Republican Rod Blum. If elected, 29-year-old Patel would be the fourth Indian-American to be elected to the House of Representatives.