New York City, NY, USA: Sharanjit Singh Thind, a lifelong Republican and Sikh originally from Punjab, India, officially filed his candidacy in September 2025 for the U.S. House of Representatives representing New York’s 18th Congressional District in the Hudson Valley. Thind sees the Democrat-held district as competitive and is campaigning on economic development, AI workforce preparation, family values, and community safety. He emphasises his experience in both public service and the private sector as qualifications to represent constituents north of Manhattan.
Thind states that he has the backing of the Republican establishment. Before submitting his nomination, he met with New York Republican State Committee Chairman Ed Cox—who is related to former President Nixon by marriage—to discuss party support. According to Thind, at that time, there were no other Republican candidates, making CD-18 a favourable district for a GOP challenge. “Even with strong party support, primaries are inevitable and, in my view, healthy,” he said.
Familiar with the district, Thind reports ongoing communication with local Republican leaders. “Constituents from diverse backgrounds have shown an overwhelmingly positive response during my interactions,” he added.
While incumbent Patrick Ryan defeated Republican Alison Esposito by 14 points in 2024, Thind believes the political landscape has shifted heading into the November 3, 2026, election. “Hudson Valley residents were frustrated by hotels and motels filled with migrants during the Biden administration and Mayor Adams’ tenure. Under President Trump, law and order concerns have been addressed,” Thind asserted.
Thind also criticised the election of Zohran Mamdani as New York City Mayor, labelling him a “self-proclaimed socialist.” He contrasts this with former President Trump’s America First policies, which he believes resonate with many upstate voters. Thind emphasises his experience in media and real estate, while stressing the importance of fostering business growth for a strong economy.
Campaign Priorities
Thind’s platform is tailored to the district’s needs. He highlights the potential impact of AI on local employment, saying, “Automation isn’t the problem, but companies benefiting from AI must contribute to retraining displaced workers.” He also calls for enhanced protection against financial fraud, especially for senior citizens.
Tourism, he argues, is an underdeveloped sector in the Hudson Valley. “I aim to boost tourism to attract high-value visitors and create jobs,” he said, referencing the Netflix series Four Seasons, which filmed scenes in the region. Thind believes the area’s natural beauty could attract additional entertainment projects.
Thind holds an MBA and a journalism degree. He emigrated to the U.S. around 2000 and has since founded an advertising agency in Manhattan, worked for several companies, and served as Editor-Publisher of The South Asian Insider for nearly twenty years. He recently authored The Beginning – Mad Men of Nu Way Advertising, detailing his experience managing a Madison Avenue ad agency.
Government and Political Experience
Since 2012, Thind has collaborated with government institutions, including serving as Commissioner on the Nassau County Human Rights Commission until 2018. He also worked in the Receiver of Taxes office in Hempstead, one of the nation’s largest townships.
He has been active in politics for years, supporting campaigns for local, state, and congressional candidates. “I’ve helped fundraise and personally contributed to numerous races,” Thind said. He has been recognised with the Congressional Excellence Award twice. His editorial background, he notes, has given him insight into government operations and areas needing reform.
To fund his campaign, Thind plans to rely on personal resources and small donor contributions. With a maximum individual donation limit of $3,535, he notes that House races do not receive government matching funds. Considering CD-18’s competitive nature, Thind expects support from Republican voters eager to retain House control in 2026.
Thind owns property in the Catskills and is finalising a lease for a residence in Saugerties, Ulster County, while currently residing with his family on Long Island.
His campaign emphasises jobs, AI readiness, tourism development, healthcare accessibility, family values, and senior citizen protections against scams.
