Dr. Dhakar has more than 20-year-old practice in the Glen Allen Area, Virginia; and is contesting for the 56th District.
Indian American physician Surya Dhakar is running for the Virginia House of Delegates District 56. A Republican candidate, Dhakar is vying for the seat currently held by Republican Peter Farrell, who is not seeking re-election.
A past and present member of several state and county advisory boards, Dhakar is one of the seven contestants. He served on the Viriginia Board of Dentistry from 2011 to 2015; and served as president of the Indian Association of Virginia, twice. Dhakar’s poll promises include lower taxes, improved public schools and lower costs of healthcare services.
A PhD in oceanography from the Old Dominion University, Dhakar contested for the Three Chopt District seat on the Henrico County School Board in Virginia in 2014, but lost to Michelle Ogburn. Dhakar is married and lives in Glen Allen, with his family.
Other Republicans contesting for the seat include John McGuire, Graven Craig, George Goodwin and Matt C Pinsker. On the Democrats side, there are two candidates – Melissa M Dart and Lizzie Drucker-Basch.
The primaries will be held on June 13; the general election is scheduled for November 7. Last date to register to vote for the primaries is May 22; and for the general elections is October 16.
The 56th District includes Louisa County, portions of Goochland, Henrico and Spotsylvania counties. The area is heavily Republican; so much so that the Democrats did not run for this seat since 2009. This year, however, two Democrats are in the fray.
From January till March, the Indian American physician raised more than $58,000; nearly equal to all others, combined. The funds raised were: Graven Craig (R) – $16,879; George Goodwin (R) – $3,000; Matt C Pinsker (R) – $14,434; Surya Dhakar (R) – $58,173; John McGuire III (R) – $3,856; Jay F Prendergast (R) – $0; Melissa M Dart (D) – $5,400; and Lizzie Drucker-Basch (D) – $15,760.