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An Indian-American media professional, Supriya Christopher, is running for a seat in the Virginia general assembly, hoping to "give a voice" to the burgeoning Asian community there.
If she wins, Christopher would be the first Indian-American in the Virginia legislature.
The Rochester, New York, native who has moved to Virginia, must get past Republican Salvatore Iaquinto, according to The Washington Times.
Both hope to succeed Delegate Robert F McDonnell, a Republican, who is running for state attorney general.
35-year-old Christopher, who is making her first foray into politics, said if she wins, she hopes to give a voice to Virginia's burgeoning Asian community while adding a different face to the overwhelmingly white, male general assembly.
A former news anchor with a radio version of USA Today and also an ABC affilliate in Mississippi, she credits her parents with inspiring her civic aspirations.
Her campaign issues are typical for candidates in the region -- relieving traffic congestion by building a third major road crossing, fully funding schools and expanding rail service.
She also wants to represent Virginia state's roughly 360,000 residents of Asian descent.
"We are contributing so much," she said. "It is about time we have a voice in creating public policy."