Suraj Patel is contesting the primary election in New York‘s 12th Congressional district. The Indian-origin business owner has presented himself as the younger alternative who represents the ideas of the youth.

Patel is competing with US Representatives Jerrold Nadler and Carolyn Maloney, two established Democratic lawmakers in the US House of Representatives. The 12th district clash has been triggered by the re-drawing of New York’s districts.

Also Read: US primaries: New York set to hold two Congressional special elections

Who is Suraj Patel?

Suraj Patel, 38, is currently the owner of a small business in New York, a lawyer and also a lecturer on business ethics at New York University. 

Patel acquired his bachelor’s from Stanford University, his MPhil from Cambridge and finally his Juris Doctor from New York University. Patel has also previously worked with Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign. He was again roped in during the re-election campaign.

According to his campaign website, Patel’s parents moved to the United States in the late 1960s in search of economic opportunity. His family later opened up a local motel, where Suraj Patel helped with chores like filling vending machines, doing motel laundry and bussing tables.

Suraj Patel has associated himself with various political organisations and US-based think tanks. These include the Board of Urban Upbound and The Century Foundation. He is also a board member of Atlas: DIY, a youth immigrant legal services organization in Brooklyn.

He previously challenged Maloney in the 2020 elections in New York. Even though he was a front-runner, Patel lost the primary. He came within 3 points of victory.

Also Read: US primaries: Key races unfold in New York’s second election this year

Suraj Patel, just days before his primary election, got engaged to his long-time partner Emily Bina, a producer at The Atlantic.

“This beautiful woman comes up to me and says, ‘I just want to let you know, I voted for you and I live on your block. I like your politics”, Patel said while describing his first encounter with Bina in 2018.