Washington— Indian American community leader Ashok Baddi has officially announced his bid for the Michigan House of Representatives from District 56, vowing to bring practical, people-first leadership to the diverse suburbs north of Detroit. The Hyderabad-born immigrant, who arrived in the United States in 2005 with his wife, a pediatric nephrologist, is challenging Democratic incumbent Sharon MacDonell in a race that reflects shifting demographics and political priorities in Michigan's booming Indian American community.
Baddi's decision to run comes after years of grassroots activism and a strategic political shift. Having served as a core team member for Michigan gubernatorial fundraisers and supported numerous local campaigns as a Democrat, Baddi recently realigned with the Republican Party, citing alignment with his core values on education, gender identity, and school sports policy.
Key Facts
• Baddi has been a Troy resident for over a decade and will face incumbent Sharon MacDonell, who won reelection in 2024 with 57.19% of the vote, in the November 2026 election
• District 56 has a population that is nearly 25% Indian origin, representing approximately 12,000 voters—a demographic bloc Baddi believes can "make or break" the upcoming race
• The candidate immigrated from Hyderabad, India in 2005 and previously lived on rural farmland in Georgia and Missouri before settling in Michigan's suburbs
Baddi emphasized that his decision to seek elected office stems from a fundamental belief that meaningful change requires political engagement.
Education has emerged as the centerpiece of his campaign platform. Baddi has vocally opposed Troy's efforts to eliminate honors programs, arguing that academic tracking allows students to learn at their individual pace and capability level.
On immigration policy, Baddi advocates strongly for legal pathways to citizenship. He praised the United States as
while emphasizing that maintaining this openness requires proper legal channels and documentation.
Baddi previously supported MacDonell but now contends that the incumbent has not delivered on critical local needs. He cited inadequate road infrastructure and what he views as misguided education policies as key reasons for challenging her reelection bid.
His switch from Democratic to Republican affiliation reflects broader political realignment among some Indian American voters. Baddi's positions on gender identity acknowledge nuance—while he personally believes
"
The candidate acknowledged the financial realities of modern campaigning, telling supporters that
Michigan's Indian American population has become increasingly engaged in electoral politics across local, state, and federal races. The state is home to one of the Midwest's largest Indian American communities, with growing representation in Congress, state legislatures, and municipal offices.
Baddi said of his opponent, citing specific grievances around infrastructure and education that resonate with suburban voters across party lines.
Do You Know?
Indian Americans have steadily increased their political footprint in the United States in recent years, with a growing number now serving in Congress, state legislatures, and local government positions across the country.
Key Terms
• Michigan House of Representatives: The lower chamber of Michigan's state legislature where members are elected to two-year terms representing individual districts
• District 56: A specific electoral district in Michigan located in the Troy suburbs north of Detroit, with a diverse and growing Indian American demographic
• Honors Programs: Academic tracks in schools that allow advanced students to take accelerated or enriched coursework suited to their learning abilities
• Political Realignment: When voters or candidates shift their party affiliation based on changing values or policy priorities
Image Credit: ashokbaddi.com
Asia91 Original