Jack,
Today, I want to introduce you to Dr. Hiral Tipirneni, who is running for the U.S. House in Arizona's Eighth Congressional District.
Hiral came to America from India with her family at the age of three. After overcoming a childhood illness, she was inspired to learn more about medicine after graduating public school—and served the Phoenix area for more than 20 years as an emergecy room physician. A cancer research advocate and community leader, Hiral is running for Congress to bring her problem-solving, team-oriented approach to Washington.
We asked Hiral a few questions for our latest Off the Sidelines Candidate Spotlight. I hope you'll take the time to learn more about her career, her district, and that one time she saved a movie star's life...sort of.
And if you like what you read, please join us for a virtual event with Kirsten, Hiral and Rep. Rosa DeLauro in support of Hiral's campaign this Thursday, July 30 at 3pm ET. Tickets start at just $25, and can be purchased here.
Thank you,
Stefanie
Off the Sidelines: Tell us about yourself. Why did you decide to get off the sidelines and run for office?
Hiral Tipirneni: I’ve spent my life in service of others — focused on solving complex problems and improving people’s lives. For over 20 years, I’ve worked in my community, first, as an emergency medicine physician, then, as a cancer research advocate. I also serve on the board of Valleywise Health Foundation, which supports the only public hospital in Maricopa County and the largest safety net hospital in AZ. After the 2016 election, my family, friends, and I were devastated by the results. The idea that over 20 million Americans would be thrown off their healthcare if the ACA was repealed was unfathomable to me. I couldn’t stand by and let that happen, and I knew I had to do more. My voice, my experience, my skill set is one that I believe could be invaluable in Congress as policies are being created — policies on healthcare and much, much more.
OTS: Tell us where you're running and what your district is like.
HT: I’m running in AZ-06—it is the Northeast valley of Phoenix. It includes North Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and other suburban areas of the NE quadrant of the Valley. Historically, it has been conservative, but it has changed demographically and politically over the last several election cycles. It has become more moderate and is now a targeted district ready to flip. It is higher educated and fairly affluent, and the dominant issues are healthcare, economic growth, and addressing corruption in DC. It went to Trump by 10 but Sen. Sinema brought that gap down to less than 3 points, and that was with a Green Party candidate on the ballot.
OTS: What's one piece of advice you would give your younger self?
HT: I am the very proud mom of three young adult kids — two daughters and one son, ages 23, 22, and 19, respectively. I deeply admire their character and their moral compasses. Often, I do check-ins with them, and they help me stay true to myself. Their encouragement is invaluable and I couldn’t be more grateful for their abiding support. They and my husband are my loudest cheerleaders and most dedicated partners in this endeavor. I couldn’t do this without them!
OTS: What's one piece of advice you would give your younger self?
HT: Do not worry about what others think of you, do not look to get others’ approval. You know who you are and what your value is. No one needs to define that for you.
OTS: What issue do you believe deserves more attention on the campaign trail?
HT: Ensuring more diversity in campaign staff, campaign team members, and campaign surrogates.
OTS: What's an interesting book/article that you're reading now or recently finished, and why?
HT: Most articles I read these days are focused on the COVID-19 crisis in the U.S. Recently, I have been specifically focused on the issues surrounding healthcare professionals and the longterm impact this prolonged, tragic crisis is having on their mental health and professional longevity.
OTS: What's a fun fact that people might not know about you?
HT: I once saved Harrison Ford’s life. Kind of.
OTS: If you could have dinner with three people (living or deceased) who would they be and why?
HT: Michelle Obama, Elizabeth Blackwell, John Lennon — one is a cultural icon, one is a professional hero, one is a creative genius. I would love to sit and listen to them answer just one question each: What is the most impactful contribution, in your opinion, you’ve made to our nation/society?
OTS: How do you unwind?
HT: Listen to music, snuggle with my dogs, hike (when it’s not summer in AZ!), swim w/my son, watch Gilmore Girls with my daughters.
Ready to help elect Hiral? Split a donation between her campaign and Off the Sidelines today >>
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