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Neil Patel

RepublicanFirst-time candidate

Small business entrepreneur, Financial advisor

Neil Patel is a Republican candidate for U.S. House Ohio District 13 in the 2026 election. This is their first run for office.

From the candidate’s public filings

Background

Neil Patel was born in Medra, India. He earned a bachelor's degree from Gotra University in 1974. His career experience includes working as a small business entrepreneur and financial advisor.[1]

Patel has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]

Federation of Indian Nationals of Ohio

AAHOA

Delaware County Republican Party Central Committee

Bachelor's:
Gotra University, 1974

Campaign money

Raised
—
From individuals
$0
From PACs & party
$0
Own money
—

FEC filings.

View on FEC.gov(opens in new tab)

Campaign themes

Neil Patel did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

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Campaign websitePatel's campaign website stated the following:Where Neil Stands on the IssuesNeil is committed to addressing the most pressing challenges facing our state. His approach is rooted in common-sense solutions, fiscal responsibility, and a deep commitment to the families and communities of Ohio. Explore his positions on the key issues below to learn more about his vision for a stronger, more prosperous future.Economic Growth & Job CreationNeil believes in fostering a pro-growth environment by cutting unnecessary regulations, lowering taxes for small businesses, and investing in industries that create high-paying jobs right here in Ohio. His plan focuses on empowering local entrepreneurs and attracting new investment to ensure our state remains competitive.Healthcare Access & AffordabilityNeil supports lowering prescription drug costs, expanding access to affordable health insurance, and protecting coverage for pre-existing conditions. He will work to strengthen Medicare and Medicaid while ensuring quality care for all Ohioans.Education & Workforce DevelopmentNeil believes every child deserves access to quality education from early childhood through higher education. He supports fully funding public schools, expanding career and technical education, and making college and trade schools more affordable. He will also invest in workforce development programs to ensure Ohio workers have the skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow.Public Safety & JusticeNeil supports smart public safety policies that invest in both law enforcement and community-based solutions. He believes in supporting police while also addressing root causes of crime through economic opportunity, mental health services, and community engagement.Infrastructure & TechnologyNeil is committed to modernizing Ohio's infrastructure, including roads, bridges, broadband, and public transit. He will work to secure federal funding and invest in technology that positions Ohio as a leader in innovation and connectivity.— Neil Patel's campaign website (April 23, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Legal immigrant since 1979, Citizen since 1994...small business entrepreneur who has employed over 1000 people in my companies. Experience with Ambassadors/Trade Agreements/Treaties to bring jobs to US. I am a negotiator and work well with others for solutions. I have previously worked with Sen Joe Manchin to bring jobs to Ohio and West Virginia. I want to represent Ohioans in the US Senate to work for solutions, not this partisan bickering that gets nothing accomplished. I have visited all 88 counties in Ohio multiple times and met great Ohioans along the way. My negotiating skills will help rebuild Ohioans faith in our Federal Government!

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

No one person will be able to fix the acrimony in Congress, but one person can start negotiating!American First and always!America is my home and I love our constitution...we need to get back to the basics of our foundation.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Border Security- I lived in a country with border problems. I do not want open borders in the US.

I am concerned about the loss of manufacturing, raw materials supply and energy sources.

I am passionate about opening up the pipelines, becoming independent of foreign oil. We made some progress in the early 90's but now we are back to dependence on others and we have lost jobs!

I do not agree with socialist ideals or policies. Capitalism is what works for the U. S.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My answer is always God. I have faith in God and I believe in God. He has watched over my family and myself all my life.

I have many people I respect but God is who I look up to.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville

The Bible

Biographies of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Love of this country as it is in our Constitution. While sometimes changes are good, hatred of our constitution, our history is not the attitude of a good official. Changes are necessary as we grow but there has to be an underlying respect for who we are and where we came from.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Love of this Country, Faith in our Constitution, honesty, integrity in business, willingness to serve communities/state/country

I am a negotiator. I work problems out by not name calling or placing blame....I find common ground to work towards a goal.

I also have experience of being from a country that has seen Muslim invasions, open border problems and have traveled to over 25 countries observing why the US is so great.

What legacy would you like to leave?

A legacy of always believing in God, working for the good of our continuing country, being a servant to my country, my state and Ohioans.

I want the public to know how much I genuinely love this, my, country!

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Bible

Because I want to keep my faith strong.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

"His Glory"

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

As a nation at home, we have to get over our divided attitudes. People have to realize we need to come together and put our past behind us, move forward learning from different times and attitudes. We are never going to all think alike, but we need more common grounds.

Security: we need to secure our borders, find solutions to all the illegal immigrants.

We have other nations wanting to overtake us. We need to bring our manufacturing/raw materials back to the US, we need to control our national debt and we need to get out of debt! China could take us over by calling in our debt that they owe....

A new look at treaties we have and reexamine our contributions, what we get and what responsibilities other countries have as well as our own.

Economy and Energy - tied together. Getting away from dependency on foreign oil. Much overused statement but very true and necessary.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I am definitely for term limits!

What qualities does the U.S. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The Senate was created to watch out for State's rights. I believe we need to get back to the basics, and get the separation of Federal government and State governments back where they should be according to the constitution.

I believe the Senate's responsibilities for Treaties and International Agreements is very important in our world today.

Confirmations of any appointed office should be taken with the utmost seriousness. These acrimonious "hearings" where all kinds of misinformation is stated just to "get" the person who is being questioned is abhorrent to me. New rules and new attitudes needed to move our US Senate and Congress forward.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for senators to have previous experience in government or politics?

No. I have had experience dealing with Senators, Presidents, all types of Agency folks with the work that I have done for trade agreements, Ambassadors and Treaties, but I believe that people who have not been elected are able to bring a new attitude and a fresh look at how government works. Our citizens deserve better than status quo. Government is a people business! You have to listen and then you have to interact with people.

What criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees?

Personal life attitudes, Belief in the US Constitution, Belief in Capitalism, Belief in our system of Government.

I would not ever vote for someone who in their past has stated their hatred of the United States or our form of Government

If you are not a current senator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Homeland Security - I have lived in another country and traveled to over 25 - I think our security is one of the major issues we have as a country. Too many of our citizens have not experienced other forms of government - they don't understand why we are so different.

Budgets and Oversight interest me as well.

Is there a particular senator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I do respect Joe Manchin. I have worked with him and know him personally as well.

How would you evaluate a judicial nominee?

First of all education, 2nd past work history. I am most interested in judicial decisions. Decisions tell about all kinds of attitudes. Leniency, harshness, uses guidelines set up by governments, fairness in decisions.

I do not think there is room for radical ideas and a hatred of our country and it's beginnings on any judicial bench.

What kind of relationships would you build with other senators?

I would find common grounds when disagreements erupted. We all have common ground at some point and we need to work to find them.

I have in the past worked successfully with Sen Joe Manchin and others across party isles to accomplish treaties, trade agreements. I worked successfully with Sister Cities organization between my birth home city in India and Columbus, Ohio.

You have to want to find the common grounds - not wanting to fight about everything gets our country no where.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes. How you work with compromise is the test of a good leader and Senator. True compromise stemming from thoughtful discussions is a great thing.

Patel's website highlighted the following campaign themes:[4]

Education, Enterprise, Opportunity

Excerpt: "He is running for the State Senate to give back: this community gave him the opportunity to be a self-made man and live the American Dream, so he wants to make sure his fellow Ohioans get those same opportunities he had when building his career and raising his family."

Education

Excerpt: "Neil wants to increase the options for students when it comes to determining what is best for their economic futures. But, some children will fall through the cracks, which is why Neil supports expanding mentorship, arts, athletic, and after-school programs to reengage those students."

Jobs and the Economy

Excerpt: "In order to stay competitive in the new global economy, Ohio must invest in what it has now: natural resources, hundreds of thousands of new graduates each year, and millions of people who want to work."

On the 2026 ballot

Links

Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of September 30, 2026 and FEC filings.

Source(opens in new tab)
Neil Patel — U.S. House Ohio District 13 candidate, 2026 | True Vote