About

Why Am I Running for the House?

I am running for the House District 43B DFL nomination because we need a candidate with a fresh new perspective whose vision and values align with those of our everchanging diverse district.  Bills should be written and passed with racial and gender equity at the forefront. I am hard working, dedicated to my community and an effective communicator, keeping my constituents abreast of the latest developments and seeking their inputs as necessary.

Who am I?

I was born in Pittsburgh, PA after my parents moved here from India in 1980. We moved to Minnesota in 1992 which has been my home for the last 33 years.

I graduated from Eden Prairie High School in 2000.

I graduated with a B.A. in economics from the University of Minnesota in 2005.

I have lived in Robbinsdale for 19 years with my wife, Katie, and my children, Isabella and Samir Jr.

I work for the Minnesota Department of Revenue as a senior tax auditor. I audit corporations making sure they file in compliance with Minnesota and federal tax laws.

I have been a proud member of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE) - Local 401, where I served on four negotiation committees and in various leadership roles. I have advocated for better wages and benefits. I learned the dynamics of healthcare and how it affects so many Minnesotans, during union negotiations. Currently, I serve on MAPE’s Board of Directors.

I served as the Affirmative Action Officer of the Senate District 45 DFL executive committee from 2012-2014, where I led the effort to defeat the constitutional amendment on voter I.D.

I served on the Robbinsdale 281 School Board. We managed a $170 million budget, set district goals, and formalize policies and procedures that guide the district. I have advocated for racial equity, making our schools more energy efficient, and bringing back student transportation in house.

What is my Inspiration?

My work ethic takes its inspiration from my parents. After my parents came to this country from South Africa & India, I watched them work hard to make a good life for us.  They arrived in the US with my two older sisters and my mother was pregnant with my third sister.  My father was a college student studying for his PhD in Finance.  He simultaneously worked as a teaching assistant, earning only about $500 a month as a research assistant to provide for the family.  My mother was a stay-at-home mom taking care of us along with the usual chaffeur and extracurricular obligations.  She used to do what she could, by stretching the dollar, to help make ends meet.  With this first hand experience, it has given me the insight into families starting out as immigrants in this country. I want to use this knowledge to strengthen our district by creating better education and work opportunities, making Minnesota a leader in economic growth, public services and healthcare - a constantly improving state for all of us who call it home, as well as our future generations.