Addressing immigration top priority for Kansas congressional candidate Prasanth Reddy

Indian American cancer physician running for Congress from Kansas tells DesiMax, he will be a steadfast ally of India

Indian American cancer physician and Air Force officer Prasanth Reddy, hoping to flip Kansas’ 3rd Congressional District for the Republican Party, says addressing immigration and combating inflation are among his key priorities.

“As an immigrant who has received so much from this country, I am deeply concerned about the direction in which it is heading,” Chennai-born Reddy, who came to Kansas with his parents as a child, told DesiMax in an interview.

“I am running for Congress to ensure that the values and opportunities that allowed me and my family to thrive are preserved for future generations,” he said.

“A secure border is essential to preserving the American Dream,” said Reddy, who “firmly oppose(s) policies like those of the Biden administration that grant amnesty without addressing the underlying issues.”

“Additionally, we must tackle the economic challenges that are making life increasingly difficult for Americans,” he said. “By collaborating with fellow lawmakers and building bipartisan coalitions, I aim to implement effective solutions that benefit all constituents.”

Noting that thousands of Indians stuck in the green card backlog face an estimated 99 year wait, Reddy said, “Wait times this long are unacceptable! As a legal immigrant myself, addressing this issue is a top priority. The lengthy wait times for green cards are unacceptable and a result of bipartisan inaction.”

“We need comprehensive reform that streamlines the legal immigration process, ensuring that those who follow the rules are not penalized,” Reddy said. “I will advocate for policies that reduce the backlog and make the system more efficient and fair.”

With India emerging as a key strategic partner of the US over both Republican and Democratic administrations, Reddy said, “If elected to Congress, I will be a steadfast ally of India, advocating for stronger bilateral ties based on mutual respect and shared interests.”

Asked how he proposed to further strengthen US relationship with India and resolve differences over issues like its ties with Russia and Iran, Reddy said, “It is important that the US respects India’s sovereignty and avoids dictating its foreign policy decisions.”

“Instead, we should focus on collaborative efforts that enhance security, economic growth, and technological advancement for both nations,” he said. “By fostering open dialogue and cooperation, we can address any differences and build a more robust partnership.”

If Reddy wins the August 6 Republican primary for the Kansas District 3 race against Karen Crnkovich, he will be facing Libertarian Steve Roberts and Democratic incumbent Sharice Davids in the Nov 5 general election.

With a recent poll by WPA Intelligence suggesting that he can make the race against Davids very competitive, Reddy’s strategy to capitalize on this momentum, “involves extensive outreach to ensure our message resonates with a wide audience.”

The Congressional Leadership Fund (CLF), a Republican super PAC founded in October 2011 to “support candidates who promote the values of the center-right majority,” has endorsed Reddy. The group is “exclusively dedicated to protecting and strengthening the Republican Majority in the House of Representatives.”

Reddy’s career experience includes working as a doctor of internal medicine, medical oncology, and hematology. He previously served as a senior vice president and global head of enterprise oncology at Labcorp from 2021-2023, vice president of medical affairs at Foundation Medicine, and as an oncology service line treatment developer at the Adventist Health System.

Reddy earned a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and psychology from Kansas State University and a medical degree from the University of Kansas Medical Center.

He also received a master’s degree in public health through the National Institute of Health clinical research award program and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School. Reddy is a lieutenant colonel in the United States Air Force Reserve.

Here is the complete transcript of the interview:

Dr. Reddy, why are you running for Congress from Kansas’ 3rd Congressional district?

As an immigrant who has received so much from this country, I am deeply concerned about the direction in which it is heading. I am running for Congress to ensure that the values and opportunities that allowed me and my family to thrive are preserved for future generations. My goal is to give back to the community and the country that has given us so much, and to work towards a brighter, more prosperous future for all Americans.

As a Republican, how do you rate your chances of flipping the currently Democratic district?

We believe our chances are strong. Our campaign has made significant inroads into communities that have not traditionally supported Republicans in Kansas’ 3rd District, including the Indian American community. By engaging with diverse groups and addressing their specific concerns, we are building a broad coalition of support.

A new poll by WPA Intelligence suggests that you can make the race against incumbent Sharice Davids very competitive. What’s your campaign strategy to press home the advantage?

To capitalize on this momentum, we need to mobilize the necessary resources, including financial support and volunteer efforts. Our strategy involves extensive outreach to ensure our message resonates with a wide audience. By effectively communicating our vision and policies, we aim to persuade voters who have typically supported Sharice Davids to consider a new direction for our district.

Your campaign site says you have spent your adult life giving back to the country that gave your family so much. Could you elaborate?

Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to serving both my local community and our nation. As a cancer physician, I have treated thousands of patients in our district over the past 20 years, providing critical care and support. In my role as a Lt. Colonel in the Air Force Reserves, I have worked tirelessly to ensure that our military personnel are in optimal health, ready to defend our country. These experiences have instilled in me a deep commitment to public service and a desire to give back to the nation that has provided my family with incredible opportunities.

What are your key priorities and if elected how do you propose to build support for them?

My key priorities include addressing immigration and combating inflation. A secure border is essential to preserving the American Dream, and I firmly oppose policies like those of the Biden administration that grant amnesty without addressing the underlying issues. Additionally, we must tackle the economic challenges that are making life increasingly difficult for Americans. By collaborating with fellow lawmakers and building bipartisan coalitions, I aim to implement effective solutions that benefit all constituents.

My commitment to supporting law enforcement and public safety is unwavering. I support providing our law enforcement agencies with the resources they need to effectively protect our communities.

I am also dedicated to fostering an environment where our educational systems are supported, and our teachers are empowered. Investing in our schools is investing in the future of our children and our country. By strengthening educational opportunities, we can equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in a global economy.

Immigration is a major issue for Indians with thousands of them stuck in the green card backlog facing an estimated 99-year wait. How do you propose to ease their plight?

Wait times this long are unacceptable! As a legal immigrant myself, addressing this issue is a top priority. The lengthy wait times for green cards are unacceptable and a result of bipartisan inaction. We need comprehensive reform that streamlines the legal immigration process, ensuring that those who follow the rules are not penalized. I will advocate for policies that reduce the backlog and make the system more efficient and fair.

Abortion has emerged as a major issue in the 2024 election with the overturning of Roe v. Wade. How do you propose to “find common ground,” as you say, on this hot-button issue?

I approach the issue of abortion with compassion, considering my background as a physician. While I am personally Pro-Life, I respect the decision of the Supreme Court in the Dobbs case, which returned the matter to the states. In Kansas, the people have made their voices heard, and I respect their decision. Moving forward, my focus will be on ensuring that we have policies that support women and families, providing them with the resources and support they need.

You have mentioned “Stand up to China” as a major foreign policy issue. How do you propose to do that?

To effectively stand up to China, we must address the issues of intellectual property theft and espionage that have harmed US businesses. This involves implementing stricter security measures, investing in cybersecurity, and holding China accountable through diplomatic and economic means. Strengthening our alliances and partnerships globally will also be crucial in countering Chinese influence.

Finally, India has emerged as a key strategic partner of the US over both Republican and Democratic administrations. How do you propose to further strengthen the relationship and resolve differences over issues like its ties with Russia and Iran?

If elected to Congress, I will be a steadfast ally of India, advocating for stronger bilateral ties based on mutual respect and shared interests. It is important that the US respects India’s sovereignty and avoids dictating its foreign policy decisions. Instead, we should focus on collaborative efforts that enhance security, economic growth, and technological advancement for both nations. By fostering open dialogue and cooperation, we can address any differences and build a more robust partnership.