Washington, D.C.— Indian-American urologist Dr. Anil Kumar has launched an independent bid for the U.S. House of Representatives from Michigan's 11th Congressional District, marking a significant moment for Asian American political representation. The seat opened after Democratic Representative Haley Stevens announced her run for the U.S. Senate.
Kumar, a practicing physician with over 30 years of experience in Metro Detroit, is running on a platform centered on healthcare reform and education improvement.
Key Facts
• Dr. Kumar has previously run for Congress three times as a Democrat before switching to independent status, citing frustration with party control over candidates and lack of leadership opportunities for Indian Americans.
• The Michigan 11th District covers approximately 750,000 people with roughly 200,000 voters typically casting ballots in elections, offering a rare opportunity for newcomers to enter politics.
• According to Federal Election Commission records, Kumar's campaign has raised $1,385,481.52 and spent $1,383,820.51, with an ending cash on hand of $1,661.01 as of recent filings.
Dr. Kumar decided to pursue public office more than a decade ago after witnessing what he described as a steady decline in American healthcare outcomes despite massive spending. He pointed out that the U.S. healthcare system spends approximately $4.
3 trillion annually yet does not deliver outcomes as good as the best healthcare systems globally.
The healthcare crisis became personal when his patients began telling him they couldn't afford necessary medications. This reality sparked Kumar's commitment to fundamentally reform the American healthcare system through congressional action.
Education emerged as the second major factor pushing Kumar toward politics, particularly his concern that 30 percent of rural and urban American students cannot speak English or do math to the level of their education. Kumar currently serves as an elected member of the Board of Governors at Wayne State University, a statewide position for which 1.
2 million people voted.
Kumar emphasized that his frustration with the two-party system stems from limited opportunities for Indian Americans in leadership positions.
Kumar stated during an exclusive interview.
He argued that party-backed candidates become constrained by party policy once elected, limiting their ability to effect meaningful change. His independent candidacy represents an effort to break free from these constraints and prioritize constituent needs over party doctrine.
Several factors favor Kumar's independent campaign, including growing voter identification as independent nationwide. He cited that 45 percent of Americans now identify themselves as independents, the highest percentage in decades, and noted support from Republicans in this heavily Democratic district and dissatisfaction among Democratic primary voters.
Kumar has also called for greater political engagement among Indian Americans, urging the community to participate at local levels and contribute financially to political causes. He highlighted a stark disparity in political donations, noting that Jewish Americans donate approximately $19 per person, Muslims donate $8 to $9 per person, while Indian Americans donate approximately 35 cents per person.
Michigan's 11th Congressional District, once politically competitive, has leaned Democratic since recent redistricting. Indian Americans represent one of the fastest-growing and highest-earning immigrant groups in the United States, yet analysts have long noted their limited representation in elective office relative to their economic and educational achievement.
Kumar emphasized that political unity and participation are essential for long-term influence within the American political system.
Do You Know?
Indian Americans now constitute one of the fastest-growing and highest-earning immigrant groups in the United States, yet they remain significantly underrepresented in elective office compared to their economic and educational profile—a reality Dr. Kumar's campaign directly addresses.
Key Terms
• Independent Candidate: A political candidate who runs for office without the formal backing or nomination of a major political party like Democrats or Republicans.
• Congressional District: A geographic area represented by a single member of the U.S. House of Representatives, with populations varying by state but averaging around 760,000 people.
• Board of Governors: An elected or appointed governing body that oversees institutional policies and decisions, similar to a board of directors for universities and educational institutions.
• Healthcare Outcomes: Measurable results of medical treatment and patient care, including survival rates, recovery times, and quality of life improvements following medical intervention.
Asia91 Original