Republican businessman Abhay Patel has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate from his state of Louisiana.
Republican businessman Abhay Patel has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate from his state of Louisiana.

WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Abhay Patel, an Indian-American economic development professional, has declared his candidacy for Louisiana’s seat in the U.S. Senate.

The 40-year-old New Orleans native becomes the latest of six Republicans running for the seat, which is being vacated by Sen. David Vitter who announced last year he would not be seeking re-election.

Patel currently serves as the vice president of business development for the New Orleans Business Alliance, and is a former Wall Street banker who at one time raised in excess of $30 billion for transactions like Hertz’ acquisition of Dollar Thrifty.

“I’m not a career politician. I’m a businessman who learned about hard work and sacrifice by watching my immigrant parents,” Patel said last week during his campaign announcement. “Over my career, I’ve advised some of our nation’s most important companies, led economic development and promoted the overall growth of our local, state and national economy,” he added.

Patel thinks that in order for Louisiana to truly thrive, Washington politicians must stay out of the way. The Constitution was created as an instrument to to control the size and scope of the federal government, but today Washington controls every aspect of American life, he said.

“I am a Republican who will fight tirelessly to defend our Constitution and to ensure that the people of Louisiana have the power to control our own destiny.”

During a recent interview, Patel said improving relations between the U.S. and India would be paramount to his office, should he be elected.

“India is fast becoming one of our closest allies and it is important that we continue to grow this burgeoning relationship,” he said.

“With China to its east and Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran to its west, India’s geography makes the nation a critical partner in helping the US and its allies achieve regional and global stability and security.

“In addition, the US can benefit from India’s rising economy, bringing new opportunities in trade, investment, and technology,” Patel said.