WASHINGTON: Indian American Republican Jitendra Diganvker is no stranger to politics and public service. A small business owner, who ran against Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-IL, from Illinois’ 8th congressional district in 2016, announced that he was contesting for the post of Highway Commissioner in a suburb of Chicago, as per media report.

Speaking to the American Bazaar, Diganvker, who immigrated to the United states in 1999, said the Commissioner's job would provide him with the right platform to address local issues.  Diganvker said his candidacy is important as the Maine Township is home to many minority communities "who are entirely unrepresented".

The long time Illinois resident, who is running on a Republican slate, told the American Bazaar that the commissioner’s job would provide him with the right platform to address local issues. Diganvker said his candidacy is important as the Maine Township is home to many minority communities “who are entirely unrepresented.”

Besides Diganvker, the other Indian-American in the race is Smitesh Shah, also a Republican, running for the Maine Township clerk.

Regarding the increasing presence of Indian-Americans in US politics, Diganvker told American Bazaar: "Americans are more welcoming to all candidates who come forward to represent them on a local level and they have high regard for Indian Americans." Diganvker said if he goes on to win, it will increase representation for the community.

"This will also be our chance to represent our community in local government," he said. On his priorities, if he gets elected, Diganvker said: "My first issue would be to make sure all our citizens receive their Covid-19 vaccine as soon as possible.

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