The Indian American Democratic senator says he is honored and humbled.
North Carolina’s Indian American state Sen. Jay Chadhuri has been elected by his Democratic colleagues to serve as the Senate Minority Whip. This is the second-highest ranking position within the caucus. The election last Saturday, which was unanimous, is for the 2019-20 general assembly session.
Chaudhuri has succeeded state Sen. Terry Van Duyn, who decided to step down from the position to focus on running for Lieutenant Governor.
Chaudhuri is currently in his second term representing Wake County in the North Carolina Senate.
An attorney by profession, the Indian American has in the past served as General Counsel and Senior Policy Advisor to the North Carolina Attorney General and State Treasurer.
Jeff DeLuca, legislative assistant to Chaudhuri, tweeted a congratulatory message for Chaudhuri. “A well-deserved promotion for my former boss and great news for NC progressives! Congrats Jay and thanks in advance for everything you’re going to do to move NC forward in this role,â€Â he wrote.
Chaudhuri himself announced his election on Twitter by writing: “On Saturday, I was unanimously elected by my @NCSenateDems colleagues to serve as the 2nd highest-ranking Democrat, Senate Democratic Whip,†he said in a tweet. “I am honored & humbled to serve as Whip, & I’m excited to work closely with my new Dem colleagues, including 7 new members. #ncga #ncpol.â€
On Saturday, I was unanimously elected by my @NCSenateDems colleagues to serve as the 2nd highest-ranking Democrat, Senate Democratic Whip. I am honored & humbled to serve as Whip, & I'm excited to work closely with my new Dem colleagues, including 7 new members. #ncga #ncpol
— Sen. Jay Chaudhuri (@jay_chaudhuri) January 7, 2019
Chaudhuri was born in Chattanooga, Tenn. His alma maters include Davidson College, Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs and North Carolina Central University School of Law graduate. A resident of Raleigh, Chadhuri’s parents, Debi and Mithu Chaudhuri, left India 50 years ago. Later they would settle in Fayettesville, North Carolina.
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