Seven out of nine Indian-American candidates won seats in the U.S. Congress, marking a rise in the “Samosa Caucus.” This influential group now includes Ami Bera, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, Jeremy Cooney, and Shri Thanedar.
One of the historic wins came from Suhas Subramanyam. He became the first Indian American from Virginia and the East Coast in Congress. Subramanyam, a former White House advisor, defeated Republican Mike Clancy. He expressed pride in representing his home district.
Meanwhile, in Michigan, Shri Thanedar secured re-election in the 13th District. He defeated Republican Martell Bivings by a wide margin. Serving his second term, Thanedar credited his victory to strong constituent services. Additionally, he advocated for unions and reproductive freedom. Thanedar emphasized his focus on local federal investment, mental health, and small businesses.
Ro Khanna also won re-election in California’s 17th District. He defeated Republican challenger Anita Chen. Having served since 2016, Khanna is known for his work on the House Armed Services and Oversight Committees. His district, Silicon Valley, remains a strong Democratic base.
Pramila Jayapal, meanwhile, secured her fifth term in Washington’s 7th District. She made history as the first South Asian American woman in the U.S. House. As the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Jayapal focuses on healthcare, economic equality, and progressive causes.
Ami Bera was re-elected in California’s 6th District, making him the longest-serving Indian American in Congress. Bera, a medical doctor, prioritizes healthcare in his work. He also serves on key committees, including Foreign Affairs and Intelligence.
Raja Krishnamoorthi won re-election in Illinois’ 8th District. As a Harvard-educated lawyer, he plays a key role on the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. Additionally, his district includes parts of Chicago and surrounding suburbs.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Cooney secured re-election in New York’s 56th State Senate District. First elected in 2020, Cooney serves as Chairman of the Transportation Committee. He is also an active member of the Monroe County Democratic Committee.
Together, these victories underscore the growing influence of Indian Americans in U.S. politics. In fact, this trend highlights their increasing representation and leadership within Congress.
