Rep. Lalani, Suleman

Biography

Representative Suleman Lalani, M.D. represents House District 76 in Fort Bend County, which includes Sugar Land, Stafford, Richmond, and Meadows Place. Elected in 2022, he is the first Muslim member of the Texas Legislature from Fort Bend County and a founding member of the AAPI Caucus, which he now co-chairs.

Rep. Lalani has been in private practice in the Sugar Land and greater Houston area for over two decades. He immigrated to the United States in the early 1990s to begin his medical career and has since dedicated himself to closing gaps in healthcare access through both his clinical work and charitable efforts. As the only general practitioner currently serving in the Texas Legislature, he brings that same passion for access and equity to the Capitol.

During the 88th Legislative Session, Rep. Lalani delivered on his promise to pass legislation that improves the lives of everyday Texans. He was the only freshman to secure two certified riders in the state’s Appropriations Bill—one allocating $5 million to the Family Practice Residency Program, and another authorizing Texas to draw down federal funding by establishing the framework for a statewide medical stockpile of PPE, pharmaceuticals, and other critical supplies for future pandemics, health crises, or natural disasters. He achieved tangible results across his priority areas of healthcare, education, mental health, and technology, passing 36 bills that went into effect. Notable accomplishments include extending Medicaid coverage for postpartum mothers, establishing mental health facility tours for college freshmen, creating a task force to implement AI workforce training, increasing community college funding, and requiring additional training for peace officers interacting with Alzheimer’s patients. He also passed legislation allowing parental notes as valid documentation for school absences due to religious holidays and consistently used his platform to advocate for meaningful solutions to the public health crisis of gun violence. His leadership roles in the House earned him recognition as AAPI Freshman of the Year. He was also named a 2023 Public Education Champion by Raise Your Hand Texas for his work on education policy. The Texas Academy of Family Physicians awarded him the 2023 Patient Advocacy Award for his tireless efforts to improve the health of Texans.

For the 89th Legislative Session, Representative Lalani continues delivering on his commitment to real solutions by championing legislation rooted in fairness, opportunity, and public well-being. His priorities reflect a deep belief that healthcare access is a right, not a privilege—introducing innovative, Texas-tailored approaches to expand Medicaid, support maternal care, and reduce medical debt. He is investing in students by ensuring access to health resources, promoting cultural inclusivity in schools, and defending democracy through practical voting access protections. His legislation strengthens protections for seniors and medically underserved communities, addresses environmental justice through real-time air quality monitoring, and promotes public safety. This session also marks a bold step forward in technology policy—placing guardrails around artificial intelligence, improving cybersecurity, and protecting consumers online, all while ensuring people—not algorithms—remain in control.

He currently serves as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Land & Resource Management and as a member of the Higher Education Committee. He is also a member of several caucuses, including serving as the AAPI Caucus co-chair, as well as being part of the House Democratic Caucus, Women’s Health Caucus, Affordability Healthcare Caucus, Energy & Climate Caucus, IT Caucus, Texas Legislative Progressive Caucus, Criminal Justice Reform Caucus, Water Caucus, and Aerospace Caucus.

Rep. Lalani is quadruple board certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, and Hospice and Palliative Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is also a Certified Medical Director, credentialed by the American Board of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care. He has served in leadership roles with numerous professional, medical, faith, and nonprofit organizations, including the Alzheimer’s Association, Aga Khan Foundation USA, Multiple Sclerosis Society, Fort Bend Rainbow Room, and the Exchange Club of Fort Bend.

He lives in Sugar Land with his wife and three children. In his leisure time, he enjoys reading, painting, playing racquetball, cycling, and traveling. He is currently working on legislation for the 89th Legislature.