Bruce Leon, candidate for U.S. Congress in Illinois’ 9th District, formally launched his Hindus for Bruce Coalition on Monday evening at Uru Swati Restaurant on Chicago’s iconic Devon Avenue, signaling strong support from the Indian American and Hindu communities.

The event brought together business owners, faith leaders, and long-time residents from across the district to highlight shared priorities and deepen engagement with the growing Hindu community.

Community leaders at the helm
The coalition will be co-chaired by Amar Apadhyay and Davesh Pandit, respected figures in the Chicagoland Indian American community. Leaders including Rohit Joshi and Arvind Ankleswariya were present to express support and discuss issues affecting Hindu families and small businesses in the region.

Focus on small businesses and cultural ties
Earlier, Leon visited several second- and third-generation businesses along Devon Avenue, noting their role in job creation, preserving cultural traditions, and fostering intergenerational opportunity. “When you walk into these shops, you see Chicago’s roots and its future being built one day at a time,” Leon said. “Our job is to ensure these businesses have the stability and support to grow and pass their legacy on.”

He highlighted his decades-long advocacy for small businesses across Chicago, emphasizing Devon Avenue as a vital corridor for immigrant entrepreneurship.

Key priorities for Hindu American voters
At the coalition launch, Leon and community leaders highlighted issues central to Hindu American households:

• Strengthening the U.S.–India partnership: Deepening cooperation in the Indo-Pacific to advance peace, democracy, and economic growth.
• Counterterrorism and global security: Collaborating with allies such as India and Israel to address extremist threats and ensure safety.
• Protecting religious freedom: Safeguarding temples, cultural centers, and places of worship from hate crimes.
• Fixing legal immigration: Reducing green-card backlogs, modernizing visas, and keeping families together while supporting high-skill immigration.
• Supporting small businesses: Advocating for policies that strengthen entrepreneurs from Devon Avenue to Skokie, Lincolnwood, and Morton Grove.

Americans for Hindus PAC endorsement
The Americans for Hindus PAC formally endorsed Leon, praising his “clear understanding of the issues that matter most to Hindu Americans” and his extensive record of community engagement. “This coalition represents friendship, shared values, and the belief that together we can make our communities stronger,” Leon said. “I’m grateful for the trust placed in me by leaders who represent such a vital part of our district.”

Dedicated webpage and ongoing outreach
To expand engagement, the campaign unveiled a dedicated webpage for the Hindu coalition: www.bruceleonforcongress.com/hinducoalition.

The coalition will continue outreach events, community conversations, and policy discussions in the coming weeks as the race for Illinois’ 9th Congressional District intensifies.