By Manga Anantatmula, Candidate for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District
My name is Manga Anantatmula. I’ve been blessed to live in the 11th Congressional district for over 30 years. I am running to officially force Gerry Connolly into retirement. Last election cycle I truly rocked Gerry’s boat. I was the first GOP nominee in the 11th district to carry any precincts since 2010. I received a record number of raw votes since 2012. I was the first ever Indian American Woman Republican nominee for a Congressional race in Virginia.
This November I will wreck Gerry’s boat and force him into permanent retirement. I am your America First, Pro Freedom, Pro Parent candidate to take back the House of Representatives starting with a huge upset of VA-11.
As a first-generation legal immigrant from India, I live my American Dream. My family has always stood up to fight for freedom. Like the Founding Fathers of America, my grandfather was a freedom fighter who fought against the British for Independence. Later, he joined Gandhi’s movement and stood side-by-side with him for a free India. My father worked for the Indian Government, managing several Indian states.
When my husband, young son and I arrived to this wonderful country, we committed to never take for granted nor let anyone destroy the beauty of the United States of America. Like many in VA-11, our start was not easy but 100 percent worth it. I supported the family while my husband pursued higher education. For several years, we lived below poverty. I refused to take any assistance from Fairfax County Public Schools for my son. My husband and I worked hard to pull ourselves up. We believe in individual responsibility, self-reliance, and hard work, and we taught these same values to our son who proudly serves in the US Navy as a LCDR and confirmed as a Commander. My personal work as a defense acquisitions expert has proved to be one of the most rewarding and patriotic experiences.
Some of my endorsements include Kim Klacik who has selected me to be a Red Renaissance Candidate, Chasing Freedom Virginia, Commander Chuck Smith and State Senator Amanda Chase. I’ve been honored to receive the endorsements of several local and national minority community leaders from Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan. I have become their voice and someone they trust. In 2020, I received perhaps the most important endorsement of all – a record number of Independent and soft democratic voters who came out to vote for me who never would have dreamed of voting Republican but now realize they can – think for themselves and vote for freedom and the protection of their Constitutional Rights. I have been privileged with the opportunity to meet with and build relationships with the communities and individuals who have been taken for granted by Gerry Connolly for far too long and are simply looking for a listening ear. It is these voters who are waking up and will be key to help us flip this district red in November.
What are the top concerns of voters?
Parental Rights. Parents are concerned about the wellbeing of their children – especially in the classroom. While the incumbent sat on his hands for over a year as schools were closed to in person learning, I spoke out that schools should remain open for in person instruction. During remote learning, parents got a firsthand look at how students were being indoctrinated versus educated. In our own district, applicants to the top High School in the country faced racial discrimination with a new raced based versus merit based admissions process. I became an activists in 2014 when I took a stand against the discriminatory application processes of the Ivy League Universities. I took note and took action to share that this would soon take place in Fairfax County. As a mother and a community member, I am grateful for the many parents who have gotten involved. When elected to Congress, one of my first legislative priorities will be to push forward School Choice with Coupons.
Freedom. VA-11 is a majority minority district with many immigrants who are now proud US citizens who came here for – Freedom. I can relate to the hard working families who made sacrifices to come to the United States for a better life. Now many of these new US citizens cannot believe that socialism is being praised and Constitutional rights are being thrown under the bus. I am committed to being your freedom fighter and I will not back down.
America First policies. Constituents in VA-11 are looking for an American First Candidate. The incumbent has been far more concerned about lining his pockets with special interest money and taking trips overseas instead of taking the time to meet with and hear from the concerns of his constituents. Virginians are just as concerned about border security as individuals who live on the border as we have seen an influx in illegal immigrants here in VA-11. Crime as well as gang activity has increased since the incumbent took office. Many immigrants in VA-11 want secure borders, a safe environment to raise their children in and legal not illegal immigration to our country. Instead of being told to be ashamed of our great nation, the constituents of VA-11 are proud to be American.
To be clear, I am not running to be a career politician. I am running to bring back Constitutional principles to Congress and be the voice for the people of VA-11. I frankly am grateful that Members of Congress face an election every two years as this holds them accountable to the voters they are to be representing. It is a shame that career politicians have taken a hold of Congress and are not in tune with the needs of their constituents. When I hear of candidates calling for longer terms to even four years, I shudder. Each elected Member of Congress should have an official 2 year referendum on their work in representing their constituents.
Remember to VOTE MANGA on May 7th in the VA-11 Firehouse Primary from 9am-4pm at the University of North American (12750 Fair Lakes Cir, Fairfax, VA 22033).
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