The results underscore a significant stride in the political empowerment of this community, constituting just over one percent of the total U.S. population
In a testament to the burgeoning political influence of the Indian-American community in the United States, ten individuals of Indian descent emerged victorious in state and local elections across the country. The results underscore a significant stride in the political empowerment of this community, constituting just over one percent of the total U.S. population.
Ghazala Hashmi, hailing from Hyderabad, secured her re-election to the State Senate in Virginia, marking her third consecutive term. Notably, Hashmi had previously made history as the first Indian-American woman and Muslim elected to the Virginia State legislation. Joining her in the re-election triumph was Suhas Subramanyam, a Houston-born former technology policy advisor in the Obama Administration. Subramanyam, also the first Hindu to be elected to the Virginia House, had previously served two terms in the House of Delegates in 2019 and 2021.
The Virginia landscape saw another victory with business leader Kannan Srinivasan, an immigrant from India in the 90s, claiming a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates. This trio, all affiliated with the Democratic party, reflects the party’s sway in the region. Similarly, across state lines in New Jersey, Democratic candidates Vin Gopal and Raj Mukherji, both of Indian descent, secured positions in the State Senate. Additionally, Indian-American Balvir Singh, a teacher, clinched re-election to the Burlington County Board of County Commissioner.
Moving to Pennsylvania, Democrat Neil Makhija made history by becoming the first-ever Indian-American or AAPI (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders) to serve on a county’s board of commissioners in the state’s 342-year history. Meanwhile, in Indiana, Indian-American physician Dr. Anita Joshi secured the West District seat for the Carmel City Council, defying the odds as the sole Democrat in a traditionally Republican stronghold.
Further afield in Ohio, Priya Tamilarasan, born and raised in the United States, emerged victorious in the election for Gahanna City Attorney. The final triumph in this remarkable electoral wave came from Arunan Arulampalam, CEO of a non-profit Land Bank and an immigrant from Zimbabwe, who was elected as the Mayor of Hartford in Connecticut.
Following their electoral successes, all ten Indian-American candidates pledged their commitment to working diligently for the betterment of their constituents. This collective victory not only highlights the diversity within the Indian-American community but also signals a broader trend of increased representation and participation in the American political landscape.
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