Man who relocated to Arkansas to teach planning race for Congress

A Democrat who moved to Helena-West Helena seven years ago as part of the Teach for America program and who later opened his own community center in town announced plans Thursday to run for Congress.

Chintan Desai, 29, is the latest of several Democrats who have expressed interest in running against Republican U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford of Jonesboro. Desai began his campaign Thursday with a website and professionally made video featuring drone footage of the Arkansas Delta.

In a phone interview later in the afternoon, Desai said he decided to run because of disappointment in Crawford's support for a failed attempt by U.S. House Republicans to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. He also cited the congressman's vote to dismantle financial regulations in the Dodd-Frank Act enacted in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis.

"It's time for someone to debate him on these issues," Desai said.

A spokesman for Crawford said the congressman declined to comment. Crawford, 51, has served in the House since 2011.

Desai said he planned to campaign for a national $15 minimum wage and for expanded federal housing assistance that would help move low-income people into more prosperous neighborhoods.

"I don't believe if you work 40 hours or more a week in the Arkansas Delta, you should live in poverty," Desai said.

A first-generation son of Indian immigrants, Desai himself uprooted to move to Arkansas.

After growing up along the central California coast, Desai said he moved to Helena-West Helena within days of graduating college to begin training for Teach for America. He taught fifth-grade social studies at the KIPP Delta Public Schools, a charter school district in Helena-West Helena.

Desai said he supports school choice for parents, then added that he thinks some charter schools "are not living up to" what was promised.

In 2015, Desai helped open the Hunt Education Center in downtown Helena-West Helena, where he also serves on the advisory board of the Delta Cultural Center and on the county Boys and Girls Club board.

"I've worked hard to improve outcomes for teachers, neighbors and parents," Desai said, adding that the 1st Congressional District "is my home."

Another Democrat, Robert Butler of Marmaduke, said in August that he would run for the party nomination in the 1st District. Another announced candidate, Mike Nelson of Arkansas County, has withdrawn.

Butler has not reported raising any money, and Desai said Thursday that he plans to file with the Federal Election Commission within the next few days. Crawford had $312,778 cash on hand at the end of September, according to the FEC.

Metro on 11/17/2017

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