Two Republican Indian American candidates, Carmel businessman Raju Chinthala, and entrepreneur Sid Mahant have joined the race for Indiana’s 5th Congressional District to replace fellow Republican US Rep. Victoria Spartz, who is not seeking reelection.
In their bid to be the first Indian American Republicans from Indiana in the House, they will be competing against Noblesville state Rep. Chuck Goodrich and nonprofit president Matthew Peiffer in the May 2024 Republican primary.
Chinthala is founder and president of the Indiana India Business Council and a senior advisor for India at the Indiana Economic Development Corp. He also serves as treasurer of the Hamilton County Republican Party. Born in India, Chinthala moved to the US in 1994 and relocated to the Hoosier state in 1996.
“My experience in Indiana has been varied and successful and helped me to understand this community and its great people,” Chinthala stated.
“I’ve been a speech-language pathologist, helping thousands through their difficulties. As a businessman, I’ve managed various enterprises, helped create better health care and been a key player in acquiring investments in our state and our country totaling more than $500 million.”
Chinthala has been recognized for his efforts with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joe Biden and has received the Sagamore of the Wabash twice – once from former Indiana Gov. Mike Pence and more recently from Gov. Eric Holcomb.
Chinthala is married to Dr. Prasanna Chinthala. They have a son, Anoop.
Mahant came to America at the age of 23 “with $850, the shirt on his back, and a dream, the American dream that anyone from anywhere can succeed with hard work and diligence,” according to his website.
He worked a variety of jobs, from janitor, convenience store manager, nursing assistant, salesman, and small restaurant owner, to truck driver. “His path was filled with frustration, discrimination, and failure, his determination never wavered,” the website noted.
After moving to Indiana, he built a trucking empire which began with a mobile truck repair shop that now employs over 400 Hoosiers. He decided to run for Congress “to ensure that the opportunity for the American dream will always be a beacon of hope and accessible to future generations.”