Patel has no bureaucratic experience.
By Raif Karerat
WASHINGTON, DC: Ravi Patel, the president of a family-run hotel business, is entering the Congressional race in Iowa’s 1st District.
Patel, 29, faces competition from within his own party for the opportunity to unseat Republican Rep. Rod Blum, who is currently serving his first term in Congress.
Cedar Rapids City Councilwoman Monica Vernon announced her candidacy a month ago after finishing second in the five-way 2014 primary, subsequently joining Sen. Jack Hatch as his candidate for Lt. Governor in an unsuccessful bid for Iowa’s gubernatorial office.
In response to his opponents’ extensive bureaucratic backgrounds, Patel stated, “I am not a politician. I am a pro-growth progressive,” when announcing his campaign the morning of February 16. “I have a track record of growing businesses that give back to their communities and provide good-paying jobs that Iowans need.”
Regarding his platform, the would-be politician explicitly said his campaign will focus on pay equity, investing in a robust education system, and working toward meaningful immigration reform.
Patel currently serves as the president of Hawkeye Hotels, which operates in 16 states. He is also the co-founder and managing partner of “Built By Iowa,” a business accelerator that supports local start-ups, and serves on the Kirkwood College Hospitality Advisory Board, the University of Iowa College of Business Alumni Board, and the State of Iowa Hospitality and Tourism Committee.
If elected, Patel, son of immigrants from India, would become just the fourth Indian American to serve in Congress.
“Problems that challenge all of us require solutions that include all of us,” Patel said in a press release. “It is my hope that my candidacy will inspire the kinds of conversations our political system deserves. We need a fresh perspective, we need new leadership and we need innovative thinkers who are genuinely interested in seeing our country succeed.”