Rep. Lalani, Suleman

Biography

Representative Suleman Lalani, M.D., is serving his second term representing House District 76, which includes Sugar Land, Stafford, Richmond, and Meadows Place. Elected in 2022, he is the first South Asian and first Muslim member of the Texas Legislature, a founding member and co-chair of the AAPI Caucus, and the founder and chair of the Texas Interfaith Legislators Caucus.

A physician in the Sugar Land and greater Houston area for nearly 30 years, Dr. Lalani came to the United States in the early 1990s and has focused on closing gaps in healthcare access through policy, clinical practice, and charitable work. He is currently the only general practitioner in the Texas Legislature.

In his first session, he was the only freshman to secure two certified budget riders, including $5 million for the Family Practice Residency Program and a framework to draw federal funds for a statewide medical stockpile. He passed 36 bills strengthening healthcare, education, mental health, and technology.

In the 89th Session, he authored more than 270 bills, 83 of which became law with no vetoes. His work includes protections against online impersonation and deepfake images; expanded career and technical education for justice involved youth; record public education investments; campus fentanyl education; the creation of a statewide dementia institute; and stronger nutrition labeling and public school physical activity standards, among other measures.

Dr. Lalani serves as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Land & Resource Management, is a member of the Higher Education Committee, and was recently appointed to the House Select Committee on Health Care Affordability.

He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, is a Certified Medical Director, and has held leadership roles with multiple health and community organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association, Aga Khan Foundation USA, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Fort Bend Rainbow Room, and the Exchange Club of Fort Bend. He lives in Sugar Land with his wife and three children.