Mudita Bhargava, an young Indian American, who announced her candidacy challenging incumbent Republican Fred Camillo for the 151st District state representative seat in the state of Connecticut, unanimously received the Democratic nomination on May 18 for the seat covering the Greenwich region.
Jeff Ramer, Chair of the Greenwich DTC, praised Bhargava, saying, “This district has not sent a Democrat to Hartford in over a century. I am proud that our party nominated such an accomplished candidate who, when elected, will represent so many historic firsts for the district,” Ramer said Wednesday. “Dita is a sterling example of the progress our party represents.”
Camillo has held the seat since 2008 when he was first elected to the district which includes residents of Greenwich, Conn. However, Bhargava believes it is time for a “positive change,” the Indian American candidate said in a Greenwich Daily Voice report.
“We have to significantly improve the economic environment in Connecticut for our businesses and families to stay and to thrive,” she added in the Daily Voice report. “There needs to be a fresh, proactive and effective approach to how we deal with the challenges facing our state, starting with the budget.”
“It’s time for action and positive change. We can’t continue to conduct business as usual in Hartford,” Dita said. “We have to significantly improve the economic environment in Connecticut for our businesses and families to stay and to thrive. There needs to be a fresh, proactive and effective approach to how we deal with the challenges facing our state, starting with the budget.”
After spending two decades working in the financial sector for several major financial institutions as a Senior Trader and hedge fund Portfolio Manager, Dita shifted careers in 2015 to focus on public service and her nonprofit work.
Bhargava has spent a career in the financial sector, serving a number of major organizations. In 2015, she redirected her focus on public service and nonprofit work, according to the report. Bhargava said she plans to use her financial experience to help better serve Greenwich residents.
Dita, the daughter of a single immigrant mother, focused her acceptance speech on ensuring the same kind of access she had to the American Dream for every Connecticut resident, while getting Hartford’s fiscal house back in order.
“I don’t believe that increasing taxes is the necessary solution to solving our fiscal issues. Instead, we need creative ways to address and fix the budgetary problems in Hartford and create a more business and family friendly environment. This will entice our businesses and families to stay and thrive and will also attract new ones to move here. And naturally, the pool of tax income will increase. After spending two decades in the financial sector, I am equipped with the right combination of quantitative and negotiating skills to be a strong and effective voice on policy making and I intend to tackle these issues immediately. Building a healthier fiscal situation will lead to better resources for all of us,” Dita said Wednesday.
Currently, Bhargava serves as a board member of The Parity Partnership, a nonprofit that she co-founded which supports gender equity. She also is a founding board member of the India Cultural Center of Greenwich, a board member of the Urban League of Southern Connecticut and an ambassador for the Clinton Foundation.
Additionally, she volunteers for numerous organizations, including the Magic Bus global childhood education organization, Inspirica Women’s shelter and the Robin Hood Foundation. Among those supporting Bhargava’s candidacy for the 151st District are Congressman Jim Himes and Sen. Richard Blumenthal.
Congressman Jim Himes applauded Dita’s decision to run. “I’ve seen Dita’s incredible work ethic and strong commitment to improving the lives of Greenwich residents” Himes said. “Running for State Rep of the 151st District is an opportunity for Dita to continue to affect positive change but now on the State level in Hartford.” Senator Richard Blumenthal also praised Dita’s decision, stating that “Dita’s tireless, passionate advocacy which I have seen firsthand will serve Greenwich residents well in Hartford.”
