(Image source from: The American Bazaar)

An Indian-American environmental activist Raj Shukla has proclaimed that he will run for the Madison, Wisconsin, mayor.

"I am running for mayor to lead Madison to become all we know it can be," he said on his website announcing the candidacy. "I've helped businesses, nonprofits and governments move forward and live up to their ideals. I will do the same for the people of Madison, WI."

The University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate is currently the executive director of River Alliance of Wisconsin, a coalition of individuals, businesses and watershed groups that works toward protecting and restoring the state's waters. Shukla as well heads the sustainable Madison Committee.

According to the Political Action Committee Indian American Impact Fund, if elected, Shukla would become the first Indian American mayor of one of the 100 largest cities in the United States.

The primary will be held on February 19, 2019, and the general mayoral election is scheduled for April 2, 2019.

Madison is an overwhelmingly progressive and Democratic city. The last time a Republican won a mayoral election in the city was in 1969.

According to the local Cap Times, which first reported Shukla's announcement, the Indian American is the fourth Democrat to enter the race.

The current Mayor Paul Soglin, who is running for Wisconsin governor, announced on July 17 that he will not seek re-election.

"I have had the pleasure of working with @Paulsoglin to advance the most aggressive climate goals in Wisconsin," Shukla tweeted the day Soglin announced his decision. "I can't thank him enough for his leadership and decades of service to the city of Madison."

Shukla and his wife, Tora Frank, have been residents of Madison since 2006.

By Sowmya Sangam