Nisha Lodhavia

Nisha Lodhavia earned a bachelor's degree from North Carolina State University in 1993, a graduate degree from Brown University in 2001, a graduate degree from Hahnemann University, and a Ph.D. from Wilmington University in 2009. Her career experience includes working as a community college professor.[1]

NOTE: Lodhavia's campaign on September 2, 2026, requested the removal of Indian American Impact as an endorsing organization.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Dr. Nisha Lodhavia is a retired professor of statistics and epidemiology with a career spanning higher education, public health, and nonprofit leadership. She taught statistics and epidemiology for more than 25 years, mentoring students pursuing careers in medicine, public health, and other health professions.

In addition to her academic career, Lodhavia has served in numerous leadership and governance roles throughout Delaware. She currently serves as a trustee of the University of Delaware and is a member of the Board of Directors of Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore. She previously served as president of the Hope Medical Dental Clinic Board of Directors and has held board positions with the Greater Dover Boys & Girls Club and Meals on Wheels Delaware.

Lodhavia was appointed to the Delaware State Board of Education and served on the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Delaware Supreme Court. In recognition of her contributions to education, healthcare, and community service, she was appointed to the Delaware Women's Hall of Fame committee.

Throughout her career, Lodhavia's work has focused on public health, education, community engagement, and expanding access to healthcare. She has combined her experience in teaching, research, and nonprofit leadership to support educational opportunities, strengthen community organizations, and improve health outcomes for Delaware residents.

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?

Our public education system is facing serious challenges that require practical, bipartisan solutions. For too long, politics has stood in the way of giving every student the education they deserve. Education is more than academic achievement; t's the foundation of a strong workforce, a healthy economy, and thriving communities. Today, we face declining student proficiency, chronic absenteeism, teacher shortages, student well-being concerns, and a disconnect between classroom learning and workforce needs. We owe it to our children to stop making excuses, support our educators, and ensure every student graduates prepared for a career, skilled trade, the workforce, college, military service, or the path that is right for them.Healthcare should be a source of security, not stress. No family should have to choose between getting the care they need and paying their bills. Yet too many Delawareans delay or forgo treatment because of rising costs, provider shortages, long wait times, and limited access, especially in rural communities. This is unacceptable. Healthcare is not a partisan issue; it's a people issue. We need practical solutions that expand access to affordable healthcare, strengthen our healthcare workforce, lower costs, improve mental health services, and ensure every Delawarean can receive timely, high-quality care close to home.Small businesses are the backbone of the Delaware economy. The small business community is facing significant challenges like rising costs, workforce shortages, workforce capital and increasing regulations that make it difficult for them to survive. They cannot sustain one more tax! When small businesses thrive, our community thrives. For too long, solutions have been disconnected from the realities of running a small business. Arguments over partisan politics have devastated our local economy and workforce. We need leaders who understand that economic growth doesn't happen by accident. It requires giving the small business community a seat at the table, thoughtful action, and common sense solutions.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

My public policy priorities have been shaped by my career in education, public health, and community service. I am committed to expanding educational opportunities, strengthening the healthcare workforce, improving access to affordable healthcare, and supporting policies that support seniors, veterans, and the farming and small business communities. I believe economic opportunity and responsible government are essential to helping Delaware families thrive. As someone who has worked closely with nonprofit organizations, students, and community leaders, I value data-driven decision-making, transparency, and collaboration. I will listen, show up and work hard to find common-sense solutions to the issues we face.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Delaware State Education Association

Indian American Impact