Indian American Ram Venkatachalam, the Republican nominee for the Virginia House of Delegates (HD 26), shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview with South Asian Herald, on January 3, 2024, at the Brambleton Library in Virginia. During the interview, Venkatachalam emphasized the significance of the upcoming election, expressing his commitment to serving a full term and providing the dedicated leadership the 26th District deserves.
Can you share your background and explain what inspired you to run for the Virginia House of Delegates?
I have been a resident of Brambleton for 16 years and work as a consultant. Over the years, I have actively contributed to the community, serving as a Director of the Brambleton HOA and as Chairman of the Loudoun County Transit Advisory Board. I helped oversee significant projects, including the expansion of Metro services to Dulles Airport and other stations, as well as improvements to community and local bus systems. Recently, I was appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin to the Board of Trustees for the Science Museum of Virginia. For the past 12 years, I have consistently sought ways to give back to the community in some form or fashion.
My inspiration to run for office stems from the need for strong, and stable leadership in the 26th District. Eastern Loudoun has experienced frequent changes in leadership, with elected officials moving on to other positions in Congress or the Senate before completing their terms. This instability has impacted critical issues like education, public safety, and the overall quality of life in our community. If elected on January 7th, I commit to serving my full term and providing the dedicated leadership our district deserves.
What significance does this election hold for you personally, and for your constituents?
Sure, personally, for me, it’s a huge significance. Having been involved in the community for 12 years, this milestone represents meaningful progress in achieving representation. District 26 is home to a wide variety of people, including those of Asian descent, Caucasians, and many others. My leadership will focus on fostering a harmonious blend of these communities, ensuring inclusive representation. I am committed to appointing individuals from diverse backgrounds to positions where they can contribute meaningfully to our collective progress.
You’ve stated that there are two kinds of people in America: Patriots and Traitors. Can you clarify what you mean by this?
Sure. Patriots demonstrate loyalty and devotion to their country, while traitors act in opposition to it. When we take the solemn oath to become naturalized citizens or natural born citizens of a nation, we pledge allegiance to that country. In return, the country grants us freedoms, rights, and the opportunity to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. These values empower us to exercise our freedoms responsibly, provided we respect the rights of others.
Your campaign statement mentions “restoring common sense to Richmond.” Can you elaborate on what changes you envision and how you plan to achieve them?
I would like to focus on common-sense core issues such as education, safety, and tax reform. On education, I advocate for Restoring Academic Rigor – emphasize teaching basic math and science, allowing families to have greater control over their children’s education; Merit-Based Admissions – advocate for merit-based policies in Loudoun district academies instead of quota-based systems; and Encourage Critical Thinking – teach students how to think, not what to think. On Safety, I would recommend working with the Sheriff’s office and Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) to improve communication with families about incidents involving school children. This include 24-Hour Drug Notification Policy to ensure families are informed promptly about drug-related incidents or overdoses affecting students. On Tax Reform, I would like to eliminate Car Taxes gradually. I propose a phased approach to eliminating car taxes, leveraging the Governor’s proposed $1.1 billion surplus to offset costs over three years. I also would like to address inflation – focus on reducing financial burdens for middle- and lower-class families. Additionally, we are working to eliminate taxes on Tips.
You’ve unsuccessfully run for office twice before and now mentioned that you’ll focus on discussing with voters the importance of a Republican victory to end Democratic control of the House. Could you elaborate on how you plan to approach this?
So, there are two aspects to the question. One is my race – I’ve run twice in the past unsuccessfully for school board and for county supervisor. For me, this is significant, because I’m in it to win. Hopefully, third time is a charm. For the Republican Party, this gives balance of power in the House of Delegates. Right now, it’s 51-49, and if I win the seat in the House, it becomes 50-50. That means Democrats and Republicans, need to work as a team to pass any legislations. I have spoken in length to Republican voters about its significance, and they are ready to support me in this election.
You’ve claimed that your opponent JJ Singh’s policies aim to “keep criminals on the street,” and expressed concerns about a “frightening rise in dangerous illegal immigrant crime.” Singh argues that you’re unfairly demonizing the immigrant community, a group you both belong to. How do you respond to this criticism?
My remarks were focused on crimes committed by illegal immigrants. People argue Virginia is not a border state, but we’ve seen an increase in crimes in Loudoun and Fairfax Counties in Northern Virginia. The Sheriff’s Office has arrested numerous illegal immigrants for various offenses. That being said, I strongly support legal immigration – whether it’s H-1B, F-1, or J-1 visas. Legal immigrants contribute to our economy and society in meaningful ways.
What can you share about your roots in India, and your journey to the United States?
I came to the United States 22 years ago as a student from India, seeking advanced education. One of the things I admire most about this country is its freedom, which comes with responsibility. If you use that freedom wisely, work hard, and stay persistent, you can achieve your goals. Success may not come instantly, but it is attainable with perseverance. I have been living my American dream for the last 22 years. I hope the journey continues.
Please highlight some of the endorsements you’ve received for your campaign?
I am honored to have endorsements from Governor Glenn Youngkin, Attorney General Jason Miyares, and Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears. Additionally, I have received support from Dulles District Supervisor Matt Letourneau, whose district is a significant part of this race.
How is your campaign progressing so far? Are you optimistic about your chances of winning this race?
The ground assessment has been good so far. We’ve been knocking on doors and connecting with voters, and the reception has been positive. However, we’re keeping an eye on the potential snowstorm forecast for January 5–6, as it could affect voter turnout. The key will be mobilizing the grassroots and ensuring that our supporters show up at the polls on January 7th, the Election Day.
(This interview has been edited for length, brevity and clarity.)
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