Andhra-born Upendra Chivukula to run for US Congress

Prominent Indian-American politician and Deputy Speaker of New Jersey State Assembly, Upendra Chivukula, is all set to run for the United States House of Representatives in the national elections in November.

Chivukula, 61, has been the member of New Jersey State Assembly since 2002 and its deputy speaker for the last five years. The Democratic Party leader represents the state's 17th Legislative District of Somersett.

Leonard Lance, a Republican, was elected to the House of Representatives in 2008 and re-elected in 2010 to represent New Jersey's 7th Congressional District. Elections, to be held on November 6, are due for another two-year term.

Upendra holds the proud distinction of being the first Indian-American elected to the New Jersey Legislature, and only the fourth Indian-American to be elected to a state legislature.

"There are a lot of factors favourable in my side. Incumbent Lance is facing a primary challenge within the party and no one knows who will get the nomination. New towns have been added to the district changing the demography thanks to the reorganisation of districts.

"Moreover, Lance had moved to right of center in his policies that has angered many voters and created a strong displeasure in the community," Chivukula told PTI.

He said major state Democratic organisations was supporting him and he does not anticipate a primary challenge. Prior to his tenure in the state Assembly, Chivukula served on the Franklin Township Council from 1997 to 2005.

He was elected mayor there in 2000 after serving as deputy mayor in 1998.

"America is a great country. It gave an opportunity for an immigrant like me," said Andhra Pradesh-born Chivukula, who came to the US when he was 24, to pursue his education.