Lalani arrived in the United States to begin his medical career. He chose the United States because it is where medicine is the most advanced, where the greatest quality of healthcare is provided, and because it is the world's greatest nation. After decades of practice and thousands of patients, Dr. Lalani decided to do more for his fellow Texans. Who better to advocate for the healthcare and betterment of a community than its trusted physician?

In 2022, Dr. Lalani won election to the Texas House of Representatives, becoming the first Muslim, first South Asian, and first Democrat for Fort Bend's House District 76. His historic election brought a new voice for the "Desi" communities of Texas who had long sought representation in Austin. Colleagues from both sides of the aisle were excited to have a practicing medical doctor in the Legislature, a gap in perspective many had lamented in recent legislative sessions.

Representative Lalani made an immediate impact in the Texas Legislature. 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 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, 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. He helped form the first-ever AAPI Caucus, and 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.

A complete list of Representative Lalani's legislative accomplishments can be found here.

Dr. Lalani believes strongly in philanthropy and volunteer service. He has formerly served as the Chairman for the Regional Committee of the Aga Khan Foundation USA for four years. The Aga Khan Foundation operates under the mandate to alleviate global poverty and improve the quality of life for all. He is also involved with raising awareness and funds for the National MS Society and Alzheimer's Association. Locally, he serves on the Ft Bend Rainbow Room, a resource room stocked with emergency and transitional supplies to meet the critical needs of Fort Bend County's abused and neglected children and adults. Representative Lalani also serves on the board of the Exchange Club Exchange of Fort Bend, America's premier service club, working to make our communities better places to live. 

Representative Lalani and his wife Zakia have three sons. Dr. Lalani still sees patients across Fort Bend and focuses on senior health care. He enjoys reading, painting, playing racquetball, cycling, and traveling in his leisure time.

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION:

PRACTICE INTEREST:

Primary Care Physician, for Patients 16 years and older

Specialized Skill and Knowledge - LTC & Geriatrics

Personal Interest in Alzheimer’s Diseases

Community Engagement and Education

Public Speaker

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS:

American Board Certified in Internal Medicine

American Board Certified in Geriatrics Medicine

American Board Certified in Hospice and Palliative Care

Certified Medical Director, AMDA

LOCAL BOARD MEMBERSHIPS:

Ft Bend Rainbow Room

The Fort Bend Rainbow Room is a resource room stocked with emergency and transitional supplies to meet the critical needs of Fort Bend County's abused and neglected children and adults.

Ft Bend Exchange Club 

Exchange, America's Premier Service Club, working to make our communities better places to live.