An Indian American dentist, Surya Dhakar is running as a Republican for the Virginia’s House of Delegates 56th District seat, which is held by the Republican Delegate Peter Farrell, who is not looking for any re-election.

Dhakar has his work cut out in the crowded primary, which will be held on 13th June. The general election will take place on 7th November.

Dhakar is up against the four fellow Republicans: John McGuire, Graven Craig, George Goodwin and Matt C. Pinsker, apart from the two Democratic candidates: Melissa M. Dart and Lizzie Drucker-Basch. One thing that going for Dhakar is, he has raised more money in a short period of time than both the Democratic candidates combined.

The Blue Virginia reported that Melissa Dart has raised $5,400, had $5,295 cash on hand (CoH); Lizzie Drucker-Basch has raised $15,740, had $10,407 CoH; while Dhakar has raised $58,173 and had $57,804 CoH.

Two Indian-origins nominated for key administrative posts

According to the Ballotpedia, Dhakar was a candidate who is unsuccessful for the Three Chopt District seat on the Henrico County School Board in Virginia. The seat was up for the general election on 4th November, 2014.

Dhakar is a resident of the Henrico County, Virginia. Dhakar received his Ph.D. in oceanography from the Old Dominion University and also his D.D.S. from the Virginia Commonwealth University. He also operates a dental practice in the Glen Allen area. Dhakar has served twice as the president of the India Association of Virginia.

Mrudula Duddempudi.