Simran Arora
Program director, Outpatient Mental Health Services
Republican
Madison
Elected Experience
None
Q&A with the Candidate
Why should voters elect you?
If you want a leader who truly understands your struggles, I’ve lived it. As a parent who raised a child, felt the daily pressure of inflation, and paid rising property taxes that burden families, I know what you’re going through. As a legal immigrant, I understand the hope and hardship of chasing the American dream while waiting for my own father’s visa to reunite with me. With deep knowledge of mental health and substance use disorders, along with proven experience managing budgets, contracts, and expanding vital services, I’m prepared to deliver results. After 15 years in counseling, I’ve listened to thousands and supported people through life’s toughest moments. Vote for me, together, we can bring real change.
What is the top issue in your district? How would you address it?
The top issue I will stand up for is what matters most: educating our children. I will prioritize student’s needs while also protecting parental rights. If you're frustrated with rising property taxes, I will fight for relief. The surplus belongs to the people of Wisconsin, and it’s time to return those dollars to families. As a mental health counselor, I understand the importance of psychoeducation on mental health, addiction, and recovery programs. I will advocate for these programs before crises occur. Additionally, I support apprenticeships and evidence-based models like Individual Placement and Support to help individuals find meaningful work. By strengthening our economy and giving everyone purpose, we invest in lasting success. I’m ready to do the work and hope you’ll stand with me.
How should Wisconsin government operate differently than in the past?
The Wisconsin government should operate with greater caution and prioritize community needs through transparent, deliberate decisions. First, focus on real needs by investing in essential services backed by clear data and measurable results, and avoid wasteful projects like replacing functional shelters with smaller ones. Second, eliminate duplication by stopping redundant funding across multiple organizations and overlapping programs, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently. Third, plan collaboratively by carefully weighing the pros and cons, engaging local residents early, and sharing major plans in advance to rebuild trust. By respecting taxpayers and working hand-in-hand with communities, we can create a smaller, smarter government that truly serves the people of Wisconsin.
What is your favorite fun Wisconsin history fact?
The Lake Mendota Ancient Canoes. Archaeologists and divers recovered multiple hand-carved wooden canoes from the bottom of Madison’s Lake Mendota. The oldest dates back approximately 3,000 years, to around 1000 BCE. These remarkable artifacts provide a tangible connection to the ancestral Ho-Chunk Nation and other early Indigenous peoples who navigated these waters long before European settlement. It is a powerful reminder of the deep history beneath our feet right here in Dane County.