Washington: Democratic congressional candidate Rakhi Israni has reported raising more than $1 million within the first 24 hours of launching her campaign for California’s 14th Congressional District, an early fundraising surge that her campaign says positions her competitively in one of the nation’s most expensive media markets.
The campaign said it raised more than $1.04 million a day after Israni formally entered the race for the open seat, describing the fundraising pace as an early signal of voter enthusiasm for her message and candidacy.
“I am honoured to receive such an outpouring of support so early in this campaign, it’s humbling,” Israni said. “Californian’s are hungry for a fresh perspective and a focus on solving problems – rather than this continued culture of extreme division and hate. I am confident that our campaign’s uplifting message of change and our focus on grassroots organising will lead us to victory.”
The campaign said the funds would allow Israni to communicate her message “forcefully” in a region where congressional races often demand substantial early spending to reach voters across large and diverse communities.
Israni has also secured the endorsement of Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen, a prominent Democratic official in the Bay Area. Her campaign described Rosen’s backing as a significant endorsement that came on the heels of the $1 million fundraising announcement.
“I’ve known Rakhi Israni for many years, and her leadership is defined by character, not cameras,” Rosen said.
“She leads with service, integrity, and a deep respect for the values that hold our democracy together. As a mother, entrepreneur, humanitarian, and attorney, Rakhi understands that real community impact comes from steady, principled leadership. She believes in the Rule of Law not as a slogan, but as a promise to the community. For these reasons, I am proud to support Rakhi Israni for the United States Congress.”
Responding to the endorsement, Israni praised Rosen’s record and said his support reflected shared values around justice and public service.
“Jeff Rosen’s commitment to justice, public safety, and integrity makes him not only a deeply impactful District Attorney, but also a leading example of a genuine commitment to public service,” she said.
“From his work on thoughtful, impactful reform to his commitment to our safety, DA Rosen’s work serves as a model for the type of leadership I will work to offer as a member of Congress. In Jeff Rosen, I know that I will have a partner in my fight for our shared values and our commitment to solving problems and uplifting our community. I am honoured to have his support.”
Israni is based in Fremont and has spent the past two decades raising her family and building her career in the Bay Area, according to her campaign. It said she founded a national test preparation company and has used her legal background to represent underserved families in family court and assist elderly clients with estate planning.
Israni lives and works in Fremont with her husband, Nitesh, and their four children, all of whom attend Fremont public schools, the campaign said.
California’s 14th Congressional District is an Alameda County-based seat spanning much of the East and South Bay and extending into the Tri-Valley region, including Dublin, Livermore and Pleasanton.
The district has nearly 50 per cent Democratic registration, with Republicans accounting for about 17 per cent. It is a non-white majority district, with Asian voters making up about 32 per cent of registered voters and more than 42,000 registered Indian voters, according to the campaign.
The seat is currently open, setting up a competitive race in which early fundraising strength and high-profile endorsements are often viewed as key indicators of a campaign’s organisational momentum.
(IANS)
