Indian-American policy expert Taral V Patel, a Democrat running for Fort Bend County Commissioner in Texas, has faced hate-filled messages on social media targeting his ethnicity, nationality, and faith.
Patel, aged 29, aims to unseat Republican Andy Meyers. He expressed his openness to criticism regarding his policy positions but condemned racist, anti-immigrant, and Hinduphobic insults directed at him, his family, community, and colleagues.
Sharing screenshots of hateful messages on social media, Patel described the attacks as “racist” and noted that some called him a “dirty Pakistani who supports terrorists” or questioned his birthplace.
Patel’s parents immigrated from India in the 1980s, and he has been dedicated to public service, even serving as a White House liaison under President Joe Biden.
His campaign highlights his role in helping Fort Bend County navigate various challenges, including floods, the COVID-19 pandemic, and electric grid failures.
Patel emphasized that diversity strengthens the community and attributed such hate to misguided fears propagated by figures like former President Donald Trump and elements of the Republican party.
Fort Bend County Judge KP George, who has also faced xenophobic comments, joined Patel in denouncing hate, stating there is no place for it in their community.
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