WASHINGTON, D.C. — Democratic congressional candidate Rakhi Israni reported raising more than $1 million within 24 hours of launching her campaign for California’s 14th Congressional District, an early fundraising surge her campaign says positions her competitively in one of the country’s most expensive media markets.
According to the campaign, Israni raised more than $1.04 million in the first day after formally entering the race for the open seat. The rapid fundraising pace was described as an early indication of strong enthusiasm for her candidacy and message.
“I am honoured to receive such an outpouring of support so early in this campaign, it’s humbling,” Israni said. “Californian’s are hungry for a fresh perspective and a focus on solving problems – rather than this continued culture of extreme division and hate. I am confident that our campaign’s uplifting message of change and our focus on grassroots organising will lead us to victory.”
The campaign said the funds will enable Israni to communicate her message aggressively across a large and diverse district, where congressional races often require significant early spending to reach voters.
Alongside the fundraising announcement, Israni also secured the endorsement of Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen, a prominent Democratic figure in the Bay Area. Her campaign characterized Rosen’s backing as a major endorsement early in the race.
“I’ve known Rakhi Israni for many years, and her leadership is defined by character, not cameras,” Rosen said.
“She leads with service, integrity, and a deep respect for the values that hold our democracy together. As a mother, entrepreneur, humanitarian, and attorney, Rakhi understands that real community impact comes from steady, principled leadership. She believes in the Rule of Law not as a slogan, but as a promise to the community. For these reasons, I am proud to support Rakhi Israni for the United States Congress.”
Israni, in response, praised Rosen’s record and said his support reflected shared priorities around justice, integrity, and public service.
“Jeff Rosen’s commitment to justice, public safety, and integrity makes him not only a deeply impactful District Attorney, but also a leading example of a genuine commitment to public service,” she said.
“From his work on thoughtful, impactful reform to his commitment to our safety, DA Rosen’s work serves as a model for the type of leadership I will work to offer as a member of Congress. In Jeff Rosen, I know that I will have a partner in my fight for our shared values and our commitment to solving problems and uplifting our community. I am honoured to have his support.”
Based in Fremont, Israni has spent the past two decades raising her family and building her career in the Bay Area, according to her campaign. She founded a national test preparation company and has used her legal background to represent underserved families in family court and assist elderly clients with estate planning.
Israni lives and works in Fremont with her husband, Nitesh, and their four children, all of whom attend Fremont public schools, the campaign said.
California’s 14th Congressional District is centered in Alameda County and spans much of the East and South Bay, extending into the Tri-Valley region, including Dublin, Livermore, and Pleasanton.
The district has nearly 50 percent Democratic voter registration, compared with about 17 percent Republican registration. It is a majority non-white district, with Asian voters accounting for roughly 32 percent of registered voters and more than 42,000 registered Indian voters, according to the campaign.
With the seat currently open, the race is expected to be competitive, with early fundraising performance and high-profile endorsements widely viewed as important signals of organizational strength and campaign momentum. (Source: IANS)
