If electedl, Kaul would be the second Indian-American woman elected to the House, following Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. Susheela Jayapal, sister of Pramila, is also vying for a Congressional seat in Oregon
Krystle Kaul, an Indian-American national security and foreign policy expert rooted in Kashmir, has declared her candidacy for the US House of Representatives from a Congressional district in Virginia. Emphasizing core issues such as public safety, education, and healthcare, Kaul aims to secure the Democratic nomination for the 10th Congressional District in the 2024 elections.
If successful, Kaul would be the second Indian-American woman elected to the House, following Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. Susheela Jayapal, sister of Pramila, is also vying for a Congressional seat in Oregon.
Fluent in eight languages, including Hindi, Punjabi, Dari, Urdu, and Arabic, Kaul, the first Kashmiri-origin person to run for Congress, has an extensive background in national security, having worked in the Pentagon, think tanks, and the defense industry. Her decision to run follows the announcement by Democratic Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton, the incumbent representative for the 10th District, not to seek re-election.
Kaul’s journey, shaped by a passion for national security and a commitment to addressing pressing issues, reflects a unique blend of cultural heritage and professional expertise.
The 10th Congressional District, covering parts of Virginia with a high concentration of Indian Americans and South Asians, aligns with Kaul’s commitment to addressing the needs of diverse communities, including Loudoun County, Fairfax County, and Prince William County.
Education, healthcare, and public safety top Kaul’s agenda. She aims to make healthcare more affordable and accessible, support small business owners, and ensure safe neighborhoods, schools, and communities. With a focus on national security, Kaul intends to take a strong stance on counter-terrorism, drawing from her childhood experiences hearing about the conflict in Kashmir from her father.
Having traveled to over 70 countries, Kaul’s multicultural background, born in Long Island, New York, to a father from Safapora in Kashmir and a Punjabi mother from Delhi, reflects her diverse perspective. Her father’s stories about Kashmir ignited her interest in the region, prompting her to specialize in diplomacy, negotiation, and political science during her academic journey.
Kaul’s professional trajectory includes leadership roles in the defense and intelligence community, serving as the Director of the Defence Threat Reduction Agency at the Department of Defence and the Director of Strategic Communications for the US Air Force and NATO. She has worked for prominent defense contractors and consulting firms, contributing significantly to the nation’s security apparatus.
As news of her congressional candidacy spreads, Kaul has received positive support from various Indian-American and South Asian American organizations, describing the response as an outpouring of encouragement. Her journey, shaped by a passion for national security and a commitment to addressing pressing issues, reflects a unique blend of cultural heritage and professional expertise.
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