Representative Suleman Lalani

Suleman Lalani, M.D. is a Democrat representing House District 76 in Fort Bend County, Texas. His district includes Sugar Land, Stafford, Richmond, and Meadows Place. First elected in 2022, Lalani made history as the first Muslim member of the Texas Legislature from Fort Bend County, as well as the first South Asian and first Democrat to represent House District 76. He is a practicing physician, bringing medical expertise to the legislature—a perspective colleagues noted had been lacking in recent legislative sessions.

At age 58, Lalani is based in Sugar Land and has quickly established himself as an influential freshman legislator. He is a founding member and co-chair of the AAPI Caucus, which he helped establish during his tenure.

Education and Professional Background

Lalani holds an M.D. degree and works as a physician. His medical background has directly informed his legislative priorities and accomplishments.

Political Experience and Notable Achievements

During the 88th Legislative Session, Lalani achieved remarkable results for a freshman legislator. He was the only first-term representative to secure two certified riders in the state's Appropriations Bill: one allocating $5 million to the Family Practice Residency Program and another establishing a framework for a statewide medical stockpile of PPE, pharmaceuticals, and critical supplies for future pandemics and health crises.

Lalani passed 36 bills focused on healthcare, education, mental health, and technology, including:

• Extending Medicaid coverage for postpartum mothers from 2 to 12 months
• Establishing mental health facility tours for college freshmen
• Creating a task force to implement AI workforce training
• Increasing community college funding
• Requiring additional training for peace officers interacting with Alzheimer's patients
• Allowing parental notes as valid documentation for school absences due to religious holidays
• Advocating for solutions to gun violence

His leadership earned him AAPI Freshman of the Year recognition, the 2023 Public Education Champion award from Raise Your Hand Texas, and the 2023 Patient Advocacy Award from the Texas Academy of Family Physicians.

Lalani serves on the Higher Education Committee and as Vice-Chairman of the Land & Resource Management Committee. His seat is up for election in 2026, and he earns the standard Texas House salary of $7,200.