Rini Sampath, a 31-year-old government contractor born in Theni, Tamil Nadu, India, is making history as the first South Asian candidate for mayor of Washington, D.C. Her campaign, themed 'Fix the Basics,' aims to address fundamental city services, including pothole repairs and emergency response improvements. Sampath, who moved to the U.S. at the age of seven, has been a resident of Washington, D.C. for over a decade. She holds a degree in international relations and security studies from the University of Southern California and has previously worked as a policy director in the Barack Obama administration. Currently, she is the director of Tharros, a consulting firm. The primary election for mayor is set for June 16, with the general election following on November 3. Washington, D.C. has not elected a Republican mayor since 1975, making this election significant in the context of the city's political landscape.