02/22/2026
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Intro & Why I Want to Serve as a Legislator
District 6 By Rathi Ravi
“Everyone agrees, old politics isn’t working. Elect Rathi Ravi for your voice, your future.”
I am shaped by many identities, an immigrant, a mother, an educator, a nonprofit founder, and a proud U.S. citizen who believes deeply in the American values of fairness, opportunity, and service. I came to this country after excelling academically in my field, arriving on an H1B visa to work as a computer engineer. Over the years, I built a career in the banking industry, experiences that strengthened my understanding of responsibility, accountability, and the importance of serving people with integrity.
I traveled across the world for the opportunities that exist in Western New York. I am grateful for those opportunities, and I love Western New York. As a 20+ year resident of Amherst, this community has given me a home, a purpose, and a future. I want to do my part so that my two children can stay in WNY, find opportunities here, and enjoy the wonderful life that I have been privileged to experience over the past two decades.
My husband, Ravi, is also a computer professional, and together, guided by our faith and belief in God, we have built a life rooted in hard work, gratitude, and service. We raised our two children in the Williamsville schools, and today they continue their education at the University at Buffalo. Their journey reflects how deeply this community has supported and shaped our family.
My life’s work has always been centered on people. As the founder of Kala Seva, Rasa Arts, the Tamil Language School, and cofounder of the Asian American Cultural Alliance, I have spent decades collaborating with diverse cultures and creating spaces where families feel supported, where children feel proud of their heritage, and where neighbors come together across communities. These organizations were built not for recognition, but to strengthen the bonds that make a community thrive.
Alongside my nonprofit work, I have gained extensive experience in political organizing and grassroots democracy. I have walked door to door collecting petitions, knocked on countless doors to speak with voters, and helped campaigns reach thousands of residents. In 2023, I created and implemented a texting program that sent more than 40,000 messages to voters, one of the largest volunteerdriven efforts in our area. I have canvassed persuadable voters, participated in GOTV operations, recruited volunteers, and managed mailings for permanent absentees, daily absentees, military, and overseas voters. These experiences taught me how powerful community engagement can be when people feel heard and respected.
These are the experiences that inspire me to run for County Legislature.
I am running because our district deserves a representative who listens with empathy, leads with integrity, and works tirelessly to solve real problems. I have seen firsthand how countylevel decisions shape daily life, from public safety and transportation to youth programs, senior services, and support for working families. I want to bring a collaborative, communityfirst approach to these issues.
I am also running for the next generation. I want every child in District 6 to grow up in a community where they feel safe, valued, and empowered. I want them to see leaders who reflect their values, honor their cultures, and fight for their future.
Most importantly, I am running because my community encouraged me to step forward. Parents, teachers, neighbors, and local leaders have trusted me for years, to organize, to advocate, to build bridges, and to show up. Their belief in me is what motivates me to serve with humility and determination.
District 6 is strong, diverse, and full of potential. Together, we can build a county government that truly works for everyone.
I am honored to be endorsed by the Democratic Party and the New York Working Families Party. I respectfully ask for your vote and your support as I work to make our district a better place for every family.
“Everyone agrees, old politics isn’t working. Elect Rathi Ravi for your voice, your future.”
