ARLINGTON, Va. (Diya TV) — Arjoon Srikanth, a 27‑year‑old Indian‑American software engineer and political newcomer, secured a major boost in his bid for the Democratic nomination in Virginia’s 1st House of Delegates District, earning an endorsement from the Indian American Impact Fund. The group, which champions South Asian representation and progressive values, praised Srikanth’s campaign for its alignment with its mission, marking a significant milestone just ahead of the June 17 primary.

Srikanth — challenging 16‑year incumbent Del. Patrick Hope and local activist Sean Phillip Epstein — has positioned himself as the fresh, tech‑savvy alternative voters are seeking. Raised by immigrant parents in Houston and educated at Rice University, he now lives in Ballston and works as a software engineer. He also once served federally, working with agencies like the U.S. Army and the Treasury. His grassroots profile includes volunteering at the Arlington Food Assistance Center and serving on his condo board. 

He acknowledged the Impact Fund’s endorsement as a “significant moment” in his campaign, saying it validates his message that the district needs new energy and representation reflective of its increasingly diverse community. 

From the outset, Srikanth has centered his campaign on addressing urgent local concerns: housing affordability, support for federal workers, energy policy reform, and expanding local autonomy. He advocates for streamlining housing regulations and boosting housing supply, especially affordable homes, and pushing for “home rule” to shift power from Richmond to Arlington and other localities.

He is especially focused on turbulent conditions facing federal employees and contractors, many of whom were laid off recently. Srikanth pledges emergency unemployment assistance for federal workers and aims to diversify Arlington’s economy by leveraging federal talent in growing industries.

On energy and environmental fronts, Srikanth warns against Virginia’s reliance on Dominion Energy’s longstanding monopoly and wants to accelerate clean‑energy infrastructure and introduce retail electricity competition. He urged the General Assembly to embrace AI‑industry incentives and push for broadband expansion.

Srikanth has not shied from contrasting himself with Hope, a former lawyer who now chairs the House Courts of Justice Committee. He criticizes Hope for heavy corporate fundraising, citing Hope’s $15,000 from a real‑estate developer backing a casino project, and for stalling on local autonomy and home‑rule efforts. He has accused Hope of needing to respond more forcefully to rising federal threats to immigrants, LGBTQ+ communities, and civil servants, including criticism of her silence from Hope during an immigration raid near Georgetown University.

Hope, in contrast, touts a deep legislative record — including over 100 bills signed into law and leadership on bills enshrining abortion access, restoring felon voting rights, and protecting same‑sex marriage. He emphasized his hands‑on style, including knocking on thousands of doors annually, and he defends his record on constituent services and criminal justice reform.

The contrast between them—Hope’s legislative experience and team‑based governance versus Srikanth’s call-it-like-he-sees-it, tech‑centred reform message—is playing out during public forums, such as a May debate hosted by the Arlington Civic Federation. There, Srikanth emphasized generational change, while Hope pressed his record of tangible accomplishments. Epstein, the third candidate, focuses on fiscal oversight, education funding, and local business support.

The primary, set for June 17, will determine who faces the Republican candidate in the November 4 general election. Early voting ends June 14, and in‑person voting opens on primary day — no registration by party required. 

With its endorsement, the Indian American Impact Fund has spotlighted Srikanth as a leading voice for diverse representation and progressive change. As the primary approaches, Srikanth’s campaign is flashing signs of momentum, as he blends a policy‑forward platform with generational engagement.