Ashwin Madia, 30-year-old Democratic candidate for Minnesota’s 3rd Congressional District’s seat vacated by Jim Ramstad(R), has an American life story that could resonate with the voters this November.

His parents immigrated from India with $19 and immediately bought an $11 bottle of champagne to celebrate. Madia attended the University of Minnesota, becoming student body president, and finally New York University School of Law. In an unusual departure for law school grads, Madia joined the US Marine Corps and did a tour of duty in Iraq.

After returning, he decided to get into public service and launched an improbable grassroots campaign or Minnesota’s 3rd. After a tough primary, Madia is in a strong position to take the house seat and be the second Iraq war veteran in Congress.