Washington: Four Indian-American leaders of the ruling Democratic Party in the US were elected to the US House of Representatives on Wednesday. Apart from this, many other Indian-origin leaders won for provincial legislatures in mid-term elections held across the country.
Leaders of Indian origin elected to the US House of Representatives include Raja Krishnamurthy, Ro Khanna, and Pramila Jayapal. In addition, Indian-American entrepreneur-turned-politician Mr. Sho, leader of the Democratic Party, became the first Indian American to win a Congressional (Parliament) election from Michigan, defeating Republican Party candidate Martel Bivings. The 67-year-old SHO currently represents the third district at the Michigan House.
Khanna, Krishnamurthy, and Jaipal won for the fourth time in a row
In Illinois’ eighth congressional district, 49-year-old Raja Krishnamurthy was re-elected for a fourth consecutive term. He defeated Republican Party candidate Chris Dargis. On the other hand, in Silicon Valley, 46-year-old Indian-American Ro Khanna defeated Republican Party candidate Ritesh Tandon in California’s 17th Congressional District.
Chennai-born Pramila Jayapal, the only Indian-American woman lawmaker in the House of Representatives, defeated her rival Cliff Moon in the 7th Congressional District of Washington State. Khanna, Krishnamurthy, and Jaipal were contesting for the fourth consecutive term.
Amy Bera (57 years), the oldest of Indian-American leaders, is running for a sixth term in the House of Representatives from California’s 7th Congressional District. The election results are yet to be announced.
Indian-American candidates also held seats in provincial legislatures. In Maryland, Aruna Miller made history by becoming the first Indian-American leader to win the race for lieutenant governor. However, Indian-American Sandeep Srivastava lost to former Colin County Judge Keith Self from the Third Congressional District of Texas.