Friends in Washington

The leaders who backed the coalition from day one

When the Republican Hindu Coalition launched in Washington in November 2015, a roster of national Republican leaders came to lend their voice. Their words, and the record of that moment, live here.

Former Speaker of the US House

Newt Gingrich

Architect of the Contract with America and the coalition’s founding chairman.

US Senate Republican Leader

Mitch McConnell

The Senate’s Republican leader, welcoming a new conservative constituency.

US Senator, New Hampshire (2011–2017)

Kelly Ayotte

A national-security voice from the Senate, now governor of New Hampshire.

US Senator, Ohio (2011–2023)

Rob Portman

A former US Trade Representative who championed the US-India relationship.

US Representative, Texas

Pete Sessions

A senior House Republican who later helped launch the Congressional Hindu Caucus.

US Representative, North Carolina (2013–2021)

George Holding

A co-chair of the Congressional India Caucus who called the relationship a joint venture.

US Representative, Illinois (2013–2023)

Rodney Davis

An Illinois Republican and early backer of RHC’s bipartisan immigration push.

Physician

Dr. Sampat Shivangi

A Mississippi physician and two-decade Republican organizer in the community.

RHC Founder & Chairman

Shalabh “Shalli” Kumar

The founder who built the coalition and its 2016 turnout machine.