GAITHERSBURG, Md. (Diya TV) — Amar Mukunda, an Indian-origin gun violence prevention leader, entrepreneur, and U.S. Army Reserve combat engineer, has entered the race for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 39. He announced his candidacy in the Democratic primary to represent Gaithersburg, Germantown, Clarksburg, Montgomery Village, and Washington Grove.

Mukunda was born to immigrant parents who built a successful business in the 1990s. But after the 9/11 market crash, the family lost everything. Bankruptcy forced them to move seven times before he finished high school. For nearly three years, they lived rent-free with a family friend.

These struggles shaped Mukunda’s outlook. He has often spoken about the resilience and strength that come from hardship. He said those early experiences taught him the value of faith, family, and fortitude, which now form the central theme of his campaign. Mukunda’s campaign slogan — “Faith. Family. Fortitude.” — reflects his belief that strong values are key to overcoming challenges. He credits his parents’ determination and entrepreneurial spirit for guiding him through difficult times.

“Everything I’ve gone through has prepared me to serve my community,” Mukunda said in his announcement. “I know what it’s like to struggle. I know what it’s like to get back up.”

His message is designed to connect with voters across Montgomery County who have also faced economic and personal challenges. By highlighting his personal story, Mukunda hopes to show that resilience can lead to leadership.

Mukunda is not only an entrepreneur but also a U.S. Army Reserve combat engineer. His military service taught him discipline, teamwork, and a commitment to serving others. He has also been active in gun violence prevention efforts, a cause that continues to shape his vision for safer communities.

Mukunda’s work in gun violence prevention has included community outreach and policy advocacy. He has worked with groups that push for safer neighborhoods and stronger protections for families. As a delegate, he says he will continue to fight for public safety and support measures that keep communities safe.

District 39 includes some of the most diverse and rapidly growing areas of Montgomery County. Gaithersburg, Germantown, Clarksburg, Montgomery Village, and Washington Grove represent a mix of suburban and urban communities. Residents face challenges related to housing, education, transportation, and public safety.

Mukunda said his background makes him uniquely suited to address those issues. He plans to focus on policies that support working families, expand access to affordable housing, and strengthen public education. He also emphasized the importance of small businesses, citing his parents’ entrepreneurial journey as an example of the risks and rewards faced by local business owners.

The Democratic primary in District 39 is expected to draw strong competition. Mukunda will face other candidates with deep ties to Montgomery County politics. Still, his personal story of resilience, military service, and advocacy gives him a distinctive profile in the race.

He hopes his message of “Faith. Family. Fortitude.” will resonate with voters who want leaders who understand struggle and persistence. “Our community deserves someone who will fight for them, who knows what it means to rise from hardship, and who believes in the promise of a stronger future,” Mukunda said. As the campaign moves forward, Mukunda will continue to share his story with residents across the district. His goal is to inspire trust and to show that resilience is more than a personal quality — it can be the foundation for effective public service.