In a bold move that further diversifies the Republican field of candidates for the 2024 US Presidential election, Indian-American engineer Hirsh Vardhan Singh has officially announced his bid for the White House. With this, Singh becomes the third person of Indian descent to seek the Republican Party’s nomination, following in the footsteps of Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy.
In a powerful 3-minute video message shared on Twitter, the 38-year-old Singh proclaimed himself as a “lifelong Republican” and an “America First” conservative. He emphasized his dedication to restoring American values and reversing changes that occurred in recent years, positioning himself as a strong leader committed to the nation’s progress.
Taking a distinctive stance among his fellow candidates, Singh referred to himself as the “only pureblood candidate.” This self-designation stems from his decision to forego COVID vaccinations, aligning with certain conservative groups who oppose vaccination mandates. While this stance sets him apart, it remains to be seen how voters will respond to this position amid ongoing debates on public health policies.
Singh’s political journey has seen him actively involved in the New Jersey Republican Party, where he worked to restore its conservative wing. Despite previous attempts, including running for governor in 2017 and 2021, a House seat in 2018, and a Senate seat in 2020, Singh had been unsuccessful in securing the Republican Party’s nomination.
He is now set to face stiff competition in the 2024 primaries, with notable candidates like former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy also vying for the nomination. Notably, former US President Donald Trump remains a leading contender, despite facing legal challenges.
The Republican National Convention is scheduled to take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from July 15-18, 2024, where the party will formally select its presidential nominee. With a diverse lineup of candidates, the race is sure to capture the nation’s attention and test the party’s direction for the upcoming election.
While Singh’s conservative alignment with former President Trump may appeal to a specific segment of the Republican base, he will need to broaden his appeal to gain significant traction in the crowded field of contenders. As the 2024 election draws nearer, all eyes will be on the Republican primaries to see who will ultimately secure the party’s nomination to challenge the Democratic candidate in the race for the White House.
