File photo / . REUTERS/Nathan Howard

It was only five short weeks ago that I stood on the floor of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago and watched an Indian American accept the nomination for President of the United States from the Democratic party for the first time in U.S. history. 

I could not help but swell with pride as a joyous smile spread across my face. 

Kamala Harris has been inspiring Indian Americans across the country ever since she made history as the first Indian American Vice President. I know this because she inspired me when I ran for Congress in Virginia’s 10th district. 

The favorite part of my run was inspiring young women of color who reached out to help with the campaign. They were eager to volunteer and be part of a campaign led by someone with a similar background. I was humbled by their passion and potential. 

This experience showed me firsthand the importance of representation in politics and the power of strong Indian American leadership. I decided to run when I realized there was no one with my background and national security experience who was willing to serve northern Virginia on the Federal level. 

Similarly, Kamala Harris spent her impressive career in service as a prosecutor, Senator, and Vice President. She is ready to break the final barrier for our community by becoming the next President of the United States. 

Now, those same Indian Americans and young women of color who empowered me to run a historic campaign for Congress are more energized than ever by what they see in Kamala Harris. 

My whole life, I have witnessed the unique characteristics and values that the Indian American community exemplifies, but despite our substantial contributions to United States culture and GDP, Indian Americans remain significantly underrepresented in politics. Kamala Harris has opened the door for more Indian American leadership across the United States.

The excitement that I have witnessed for Kamala Harris overtakes the fear that is typically associated with U.S. politics in the 21st Century. 

The ability of women to access life-saving reproductive care is at risk, and our relationships abroad are strained by tragic wars and domestic uncertainty. 

We need a stable leader with a proven history of bringing justice to those who threaten the American way of life and one who represents the values that make the United States the greatest country on earth for immigrants and natural-born citizens alike. 

We must elect Kamala Harris as our next President, not because of her proud Indian American heritage, but to affirm to women around the world that we will not go backwards, and to assure our allies that there is stable leadership in the White House.

During my time as a Director in the Department of Defense, I saw first-hand the damage done by the previous administration. Not only from the former President but from his supporters who entered the Department of Defense and created a degenerative and dangerous environment. 

Protecting American lives at home and abroad should be our sole focus at the Department of Defense, and that was not the case under the previous administration.

That is why I resigned from my position, my dream job, at the peak of my career, and decided to continue my service to this country more actively. I started a government contracting and consulting business focused on connecting small businesses run by underrepresented minorities with the opportunities in government contracting that they deserve. 

There is so much possibility in obtaining government contracts for the talented small business owners in these communities and I am inspired every day by the positive impact of this work. I know Kamala Harris is equally inspired by the small businesses of this country because she recently released her “Entrepreneurs & Innovators Policy Plan” which will support small businesses, minority-owned businesses and promote a strong economy. 

I could not be prouder to be doing all that I can to ensure Kamala Harris will be the first Indian American and first woman to become President of the United States. 
Our job from now until November is to support the historic Harris/Walz ticket. Let us use our votes, our voices, and our dollars. 

There is inspiring organizing being done to support Kamala Harris including Sikhs for Harris/Walz, Americans Abroad for Harris/Walz, and South Asian Women for Harris/Walz. These groups are great vehicles to bring about the kind of change that we all want to see in this country. 

Through this positive collaboration, the possibility of electing the first Indian American as President of the United States is real than ever before, and I know that Kamala Harris and Tim Walz will bring in much positive change when they are elected this November.

The author is a Former Congressional Candidate (Virginia District 10)

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of New India Abroad)