An unexpected contender has emerged in California’s 14th Congressional District: Rakhi Israni, Indian-American trailblazer announcing her campaign last week amid Rep. Eric Swalwell’s exit for higher office. This open seat in the Bay Area is poised for a vibrant race.
Describing the decision as serendipitous, Israni said, ‘The community woke me up to this opportunity—I’m excited to mobilize and serve.’ A four-time mom, attorney, startup founder, and educator, her journey embodies family-first service. In her launch, she laid bare systemic failures: ‘Ground-level work hasn’t fixed declining living standards or addressed voter cares like housing and nutrition security.’
The district—home to Fremont, Hayward, and Livermore—features a 38-40% Asian demographic and the nation’s densest Indian voter pool. Prosperity abounds with superior incomes, property ownership, and schooling, as families chase fulfilling lives and robust legacies for children.
‘Here, values align perfectly with what drives me,’ Israni observed. Her platform eyes amplified change through this key race.
Israni’s authenticity stands out in a field often dominated by career politicians. By prioritizing people-powered solutions, she’s tapping into a constituency ready for representation that delivers. The road to November will test her mettle, but early buzz suggests a formidable challenge ahead.

