Ashok Baddi, an Indian American community leader, is running for a seat in the Michigan House of Representatives, aiming to represent the changing demographics of District 56.
Ashok Baddi has become a well-known figure in the tree-lined neighborhoods of Troy, Michigan, where he has engaged in local activism for over a decade. Now, he is poised to take his commitment to public service to the next level by running for a seat in the Michigan House of Representatives for District 56.
Baddi’s journey to this political stage is emblematic of the immigrant experience. Originally from Hyderabad, India, he arrived in the United States in 2005 with his wife, a pediatric nephrologist. His path has taken him through rural Missouri and Georgia before he settled in the Detroit suburbs. Reflecting on his experiences, Baddi expresses a strong belief that civic engagement is a fundamental aspect of American identity.
“Once we are here, we are American, as American as anybody else,” Baddi stated. His motivation to run for office is driven by a desire for “people-first” leadership that addresses the needs of his home district.
Baddi’s candidacy comes at a crucial time for District 56, which has experienced significant demographic changes. Indian Americans now comprise nearly 25% of the district’s population, a voting bloc of approximately 12,000 individuals that Baddi believes has the potential to influence the upcoming election.
While Baddi has previously been active within the Democratic Party—helping to fundraise for the governor and supporting local school board candidates—he has recently shifted his allegiance to the Republican Party. He cites a change in his core values, particularly concerning education and social issues, as the reason for this realignment.
A key focus of Baddi’s campaign is the preservation of academic excellence in local schools. He has been a vocal critic of efforts to eliminate honors programs in Troy, advocating for an educational system that allows children to learn at a pace that suits their individual capabilities.
“I believe every child has a different learning capacity and capability, and it should remain so,” Baddi emphasized. “If they’re capable of learning, they should be allowed to do that.”
On the campaign trail, Baddi is challenging Democratic incumbent Sharon MacDonell. Despite having supported her in the past, he now contends that she has not adequately addressed critical local issues, such as road improvements and balanced educational policies.
Baddi is also a strong proponent of legal immigration, describing the United States as a unique land of “open door” opportunities that must be preserved through proper legal channels. He believes that maintaining these opportunities is essential for future generations.
As the race intensifies, Baddi is urging his community to move beyond passive support and recognize the financial realities of modern political campaigning. “The dollar is the mother’s milk of politics,” he remarked, stressing that for the Indian American voice to resonate in Lansing, it must be supported by both votes and financial investment.
As Baddi embarks on this new chapter of his public service journey, he aims to represent the diverse voices of his community and address the pressing issues that matter most to the residents of District 56.
According to The American Bazaar, Baddi’s campaign reflects a growing trend of Indian American leaders stepping into political roles across the United States.