PAV 5th Edition
PAV@pakamericanvoice.com
Aug 16, 2026
DR. SULEMAN LALANI: A PHYSICIAN’S VOICE IN THE TEXAS HOUSE
Democratic State Representative Seeks Reelection in House District 76
By Pak American Voice Editorial Desk
Dr. Suleman Lalani has spent nearly three decades caring for patients in Sugar Land and Greater Houston. Today, he brings a physician’s perspective to the Texas Capitol, advocating for healthcare, education, senior citizens, public safety, and Fort Bend County’s diverse families.
First elected in 2022, Dr. Lalani made history as the first South Asian and first Muslim member of the Texas Legislature. Now serving his second term as Democratic representative for House District 76, he represents Sugar Land, Stafford, Richmond, and Meadows Place.
Trained in internal medicine, geriatrics, hospice, and palliative medicine, Dr. Lalani is the Legislature’s only practicing general physician. His medical experience shapes practical policies for patients, families, caregivers, and seniors.
A Legislative Record of Results
In his first session, Dr. Lalani was the only freshman representative to secure two certified state-budget riders: $5 million for the Family Practice Residency Program and a framework to seek federal funding for a statewide medical-supply stockpile. His official House biography reports 36 measures passed during that session.
During the 2025 regular session, he was listed as author, joint author, sponsor, or co-sponsor of 271 measures; his legislative report states that 83 became law without a gubernatorial veto.
Among the Measures He Advanced
• HB 783, strengthening remedies for victims of malicious online impersonation, including damages and removal of fraudulent profiles.
• SB 1728, expanding career and technical-education grants for juvenile-justice programs serving Fort Bend County youth.
• Stronger emergency-power and safety requirements for assisted-living facilities.
• Creation of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.
• Establishment of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Trust Fund.
• Improved notification requirements in missing-child cases.
• Support for public-school funding, teacher raises, full-day prekindergarten, and financial-literacy education.
• Protections addressing artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, medical deepfakes, and online abuse.
- Dr. Lalani serves as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Land and Resource Management and as a member of the Higher Education Committee and House Select Committee on Health Care Affordability.
Standing With Palestinians and Humanitarian Relief
Dr. Lalani was the first legislator to openly call on Congress and the federal government to impose sanctions on Netanyahu and his regime in response to Israel’s genocide of Palestinians. When more than 20 American doctors and medical professionals serving in Gaza were trapped at the Rafah crossing to Egypt, he publicly called on President Biden and the United Nations to ensure their safety and facilitate safe passage.
In Austin, Dr. Lalani filed legislation officially calling for an end to the conflict. Time and again, he has shown that he stands with the Palestinian people and with people worldwide facing war, strife, conflict, and humanitarian crisis.
Building Representation Through Unity
Beyond legislation, Dr. Lalani is a founding member and co-chair of the Texas House Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus. He also founded and chairs the Texas Interfaith Legislators Caucus, bringing lawmakers of different faiths together around shared concerns.
His election opened an important door for South Asian and Muslim participation in Texas government. Yet his responsibility extends beyond any single community: he represents one of Texas’ most culturally, religiously, and economically diverse districts.
Dr. Lalani says his public service follows the principle that shaped his medical career: listen carefully, understand the problem, and work toward a practical solution.
The Choice Before District 76
Dr. Lalani won the Democratic nomination for another term in the March 2026 primary. He will face Republican Linda Howell in the November 3 general election.
Pak American Voice believes elections should be decided through participation, verified information, and careful examination of each candidate’s record. Dr. Lalani enters this campaign with experience as a physician, two completed legislative sessions, and documented work on healthcare, education, senior safety, technology, and opportunity.