'People first, not profits'; P.T. Thomas to be a voice of change in the New York State Assembly

This crucial election will take place on June 23, 2026. After facing intense political challenges and legal battles right from the submission of his nomination papers, he ultimately argued his own case in court and won, securing his name on the ballot. In this interview, he shares his 44 years of long expatriate experience in the county, his fiery path of overcoming hardships, and his developmental dreams for the community..."

Question: What inspired you to contest the New York State Assembly election?

Answer: My strength lies in my 44 long years of experience living as an expatriate in Rockland County. Since the time I arrived in America, I am someone who has personally witnessed and experienced the social and economic growth of this region. Although I contested for this same seat in 2014, I was not able to win back then. While I wished to contest again, my primary responsibility became the cancer treatment and care of my wife, Leelamma. In 2020, Leelamma passed away, followed closely by my younger brother, and in 2022, my son-in-law also departed untimely. It was after slowly recovering from the shock and painful circumstances of these three deaths that I returned to politics with the goal of serving the people more strongly. This time, I am going out to the people after personally arguing and winning my case in court against the monopolies in American politics.

Question: What does your election slogan, 'Putting People Over Profit and Politics' mean?

Answer: I am a licensed certified social worker as well as an IRS-approved tax preparer. It is this professional background of mine that stands behind this slogan. I believe that politics should not be for corporate profit, but rather to empower ordinary families. My experience as a supervisor with Child Protective Services (CPS) in Rockland County taught me that strengthening families is what matters most. Profit and politics are not greater than human lives. I am putting forward policies that prioritize families, children, and the community.

In the past, the approach taken was to move children from troubled families into foster care. However, that caused severe psychological trauma to the children. Therefore, I was involved in developing the 'Family Assessment Response' initiative, which supports families and helps children grow up safely in their own homes. Through this, the number of cases going to foster care was significantly reduced. I consider this to be one of the greatest achievements of my life.

Question: How helpful do you think your background as a social worker is in politics?

Answer: My Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Fordham University helped me understand people's problems deeply and rescue them from crises. The humanitarian approach essential for a politician is gained through the study of social work.

Question: How will you tackle the current inflation and housing crisis in New York?

Answer: The rising cost of living and energy costs are severely suffocating ordinary families. Compared to last year, gas and electricity charges have doubled. I will introduce necessary resolutions in the Assembly to curb such uncontrolled energy price hikes through the State Public Service Commission. The economic gap between the wealthy and ordinary people is widening. The government has a responsibility to reduce that gap through tax policies and assistance programs. More support must be given to the middle class and low-income earners.

I will work to implement precise taxation on Wall Street billionaires and increase government assistance for the poor. To solve the housing crisis in the county, I will ensure government subsidies for 'affordable housing' projects. In the past, I have personally provided mortgage guidance to over 500 people, helping them buy their own homes. I will also make government funding available to small businesses through the Small Business Administration (SBA). Small businesses are the backbone of the local economy. I am standing in the election arena with a clear plan of what needs to be done upon winning.

Question: What can the State Assembly do regarding the issues faced by the immigrant community?

Answer: Major issues related to immigration fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government. However, at the state level, more attention needs to be given to providing the necessary assistance and services to immigrant families.

Question: What are your plans to bring together the diverse communities of Rockland and to preserve the Malayalam language?

Answer: We have a multi-faceted community here that includes Spanish, Haitian, Jewish, and Muslim segments. Utilizing my personal friendships with these diverse groups of people, I will organize special meetings to bring everyone together and maintain a friendly atmosphere in the county. In the past, I had started some Malayalam schools for the new generation of Malayali children. As a next step, I will try to implement a 5-year plan that enables children to learn Malayalam as a 'second language' in schools located in areas with a high concentration of Malayali's. Along with that, I will also set up facilities using real-time AI technology to automatically translate Assembly meetings and speeches into Malayalam.

ഇതാ നൽകിയിരിക്കുന്ന ചോദ്യോത്തരങ്ങളുടെയും അവസാന ഭാഗത്തിന്റെയും ഇംഗ്ലീഷ് പരിഭാഷ (English translation):

Question: How much support do you have from American Malayali organizations? What is your appeal to the voters?

Answer: I have successfully served as the treasurer for seven years and as the president for eight years of the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA), which has over 3,000 employees. The Malayali community is always with me. For years, I have conducted tax-related classes and awareness programs for various organizations. As a reflection of that, I am receiving massive support. The leadership of FOKANA, including FOKANA President Sajimon Antony, Paul Karukapillil, Philipos Philip, and Noah George, has declared full support. Similarly, leaders including FOMAA President Baby Manakkunnel and Thomas Abraham from GOPIO have extended their support, which boosts my confidence. Leaders of various Malayali organizations, including WMC, and social workers are providing strong support to the campaign.

Question: How do you view the growing presence of people of Indian origin in American politics?

Answer: Although people of Indian origin are reaching high positions in the corporate world, they have not received proportional representation in the political arena. To ensure a political presence that matches our population, more Indian-Americans must enter public life.

Question: What do you have to say to the voters?

Answer: There is a complaint that Malayalis in America do not show the same enthusiasm for local elections here as they do for elections in Kerala. We must change this reluctance to vote. For the safety of our future generations, it is absolutely essential to have our own voice in the State Assembly. Instead of waiting until the main election date on June 23, everyone should cast their vote by taking advantage of the early voting system that begins on June 13. Every vote is valuable. Early voting starts on June 13. Participating in democracy is the responsibility of every citizen. I request the support of the people to build a better future for Rockland.

To express my gratitude to those standing by me for my election campaign and to the voters, a special 'Thank You Dinner' has been organized this coming Sunday (June 7th) at 6:00 PM. I welcome everyone to it.

Having overcome severe personal losses in his life and crises in politics through his unwavering fighting spirit, P.T. Thomas's candidacy is not merely a political battle for the American Malayali community, but also a marking of expatriate pride. The campaign is moving forward with the hope that the voters of the 96th District will embrace his developmental visions, which approach the problems of ordinary people with professional excellence, and his cultural projects for future generations. The expatriate Malayali community and the media wholeheartedly wish grand success to P.T. Thomas in the upcoming election on June 23, as he seeks the mandate to prove Malayali strength on the stage of American politics.