Suhas Kulkarni

Suhas Kulkarni (Democratic Party) is running for election to the Kentucky House of Representatives to represent District 48. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. He advanced from the Democratic primary on May 19, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a proud Democrat, small business owner, and immigrant. My wife and I moved to this country in 1986 for better opportunities for our family, including the special education my son needed. We started our life here by running a small corner grocery store, starting several small businesses, and always believed in giving back to the community. I founded the Office for Globalization in Louisville, and have been a community leader for decades through my service on multiple nonprofit boards and service organizations, including serving as the Founding Chair of the Vogt Innovation Awards, Director of the Asia Institute-Crane House, and on the boards of the World Affairs Council and World Trade Center of Kentucky, to name a few. But my most important role has been a father and a teacher. I have seen the American Dream firsthand, and I am running for State Representative of District 48 so that every family has the same opportunity.

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?

I am a strong supporter of public education, and support fully funding our schools, including pay raises for our hardworking teachers and school staff. Our kids need a strong educational foundation for the future, and I will work hard to make sure they get one.We need to make sure that our seniors are taken care of, whether it’s healthcare, access to medication, property tax rates, or runaway development, we need to make sure that we do nothing to disturb the safety, security, and health of our seniors and their caretakers.We must support small businesses and small business owners as much as possible. They are critical to our economy in Kentucky and nationwide, creating new jobs, contributing billions in taxes, and sustaining and growing our local economies. I have been a small business owner for decades, and now teach others how to start and grow their own businesses. I am a UofL Professor of Global Business, UofL Affiliated Professional Center for Positive Leadership, and Program Director at Kauffman Foundation FastTrac. I will work hard for our small businesses and help others in our community achieve the American Dream.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Getting guns off our streets, supporting our small businesses, fully investing in education, supporting our doctors and putting an end to insurance companies making medical decisions.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I have sought the endorsements of many organizations that are aligned with my values and the interests of our district. Check my website at www.suhas48.com as endorsements come out.