Washington, July 14 - An Indian American Democratic legislator in Kansas state, Raj Goyle, will run for the US House of Representatives next year.

If elected, he would be the third Indian American to be elected to the US Congress after Dilip Singh Saund and Bobby Jindal.

'I am running because too many Kansas families and businesses are struggling right now. We need strong, independent leadership to tackle these challenges,' Goyle said.

'I was raised to believe in Kansas values of hard work, common sense, optimism and community. I am determined to bring those principles to Washington on behalf of the people of the 4th District.'

Said to be an young emerging Democrat, Goyle had shocked the Kansas political establishment when he beat three-term incumbent Republican State Rep. Bonnie Huy in 2006. Goyle retained the seat in the 2008 elections with 67 percent votes.

Goyle, who grew up in Wichita, Kansas, also teaches at Wichita State University. His parents migrated to the US from India.