Austin community activist, businesswoman Rupal Chaudhari files for Travis County Judge

Image from press release.

Rupal Chaudhari, who for the better part of this year received a crash course in Austin/Travis County's lack of communication and responsiveness, announced her candidacy for the county's top spot at the Travis County GOP Executive Committee meeting Tuesday night.

"Travis County can do much better. And if we want to keep the Austin area from descending into the madness we see in Portland and Seattle, then we must do better," said the Republican candidate for Travis County Judge.

Wait, a Republican? Running countywide in our little blueberry in the tomato soup? Chaudhari admits it will be a tough battle taking on incumbent Andy Brown or whoever the Democratic nominee ends up being.

"We face a tough climb ahead, but with your help I know we can not only win this race but create a Travis County government that is more responsive and more transparent," an optimistic Chaudhari said. 

The last time Travis County won a countywide Republican seat was in 1992 when Terry Keel became sheriff -- also during a period of rising crime and popular concerns over public safety. This is to say that it can be done with the right candidate, at the right time, and with the right campaign team and resources.

From the campaign's media advisory:

Travis County Judge candidate Rupal Chaudhari is scheduled to announce her candidacy and file her paperwork at tonight's meeting of the Travis County Republican Party executive committee.

Rupal Chaudhari was not very interested in politics until politics took an interest in her. On Jan. 25, 2021, she and her husband Sanjay learned abruptly from a local newspaper about the City of Austin’s plans to purchase for $9.5 million a hotel in the same parking lot as their hotels for use as a homeless shelter. The shelter would house a mere 50 residents, and be located near schools and businesses but far away from any necessary social services. In an effort to increase fairness and transparency in local government, they began the Stop Candlewood movement dedicated to fighting for better options for Austin's unhoused population.

She has degrees from Company Secretaries of India and a Master's degree from St. Mary's Law School. She is a licensed immigration attorney with the state of New York and currently manages the finances for the family's business holdings including hotels and an electronics component distribution business.

A U.S. resident since 2007 and a citizen since 2010, she and her husband live near Volente where they raise 8-year-old twins Aaditya, their son, and Amairah, their daughter. In her free time she enjoys Indian Classical dancing and music, walking, worship activities, and community service with several nonprofits.

UPDATE: Quote from press release added, along with some context. (10:11 a.m. 11/17/21).