USA (Commonwealth Union)_ In a remarkable surge of political engagement, more than 36 Indian American candidates are running for state legislatures and local government offices across the United States in the 2024 election cycle. This growing wave of political participation underscores the increasing presence and influence of Indian Americans in US politics, signaling a shift towards greater community representation and involvement in decision-making at all levels. One of the most powerful voices advocating for Indian American political engagement is Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, who has often said, “If you are not at the table, you are on the menu.” This sentiment has resonated within the Indian American community, inspiring many to seek elected office and push for greater visibility in state legislation, local bodies, and the broader political mainstream. Krishnamoorthi, representing Illinois’ 8th Congressional District, has been a trailblazer in encouraging others to follow in his footsteps.
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California leads the charge
California, home to nearly 900,000 Indian American residents, is at the forefront of this political shift. The state has long been a significant hub for Indian Americans, not only for its large population but also due to its historic political leaders from the community. Vice President Kamala Harris, whose mother was of Indian descent, is a testament to the growing political power of Indian Americans in the state. Several Indian American candidates are contesting for office in California in 2024. Among them are Adlah Chisti, who is vying for county supervisor in District 11, and Aliya Chisti, who is running for the San Francisco City College Board. In addition, Darshana Patel is a candidate for the State Assembly. Other candidates include Nicole Fernandez for San Mateo City Council, Nithya Raman for Los Angeles City Council, and Richa Awasthi for the Foster City Council. Tara Sreekrishnan is also in the race for a State Assembly seat in District 26, located in Silicon Valley, one of the most tech-centric areas of the world. California’s Indian American candidates are reflective of the broader national trend of increased representation in local bodies and state legislatures, a trend that mirrors the community’s growing political sophistication and involvement.
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Expanding influence across the country
While California leads the charge, other states across the US are seeing similar surges in Indian American political candidates. In Michigan, a pivotal swing state in presidential elections, Indian Americans are running for several key positions. Dr. Ajay Raman is campaigning for Oakland County Commissioner for District 14, while Anil Kumar and Ranjeev Puri are competing for seats in the Michigan State House. In Arizona, Priya Sundareshan is seeking a seat in the State Senate, while Ravi Shah is running for a position on the School Board. Pennsylvania is also home to a number of Indian American candidates, including Anand Patek, Anna Thomas, and Arvind Venkat for the State House, and Nikil Saval for the State Senate. Furthermore, Indian American candidates are also making waves in Illinois, with Anusha Thotakura running for a school board seat and Nabeel Syed aiming for the State House. In Georgia, Ashwin Ramaswamy is making a bid to become the youngest person elected to the state’s Senate, despite facing racial and hate-based challenges from some of his opponents.
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Rising stars and key contenders
Other notable candidates include Chantel Raghu in Ohio, running for County Commissioner, and Pavan Parikh, who is vying for the County Clerk of Courts position. In Virginia, Danny Avula is running for mayor of Richmond, while in New York, Jeremy Cooney and Manita Sanghvi are competing for State Senate seats, and Zohran Mamdani is running for the State Assembly. Texas, with its rapidly growing Indian American population, also boasts a long list of candidates. Among them are Ashika Ganguly for City Council, Karthik Soora for State Senate, and Nabil Shike for County Constable. Additionally, several candidates, including Salman Bhojani and Suleman Lalani, are vying for seats in the Texas State House. In Washington state, Manka Dhingra is running for Attorney General, and Mona Das is campaigning for Commissioner of Public Lands, further expanding the scope of Indian American participation in high-level political roles.
The path ahead: A stronger political voice
This diverse slate of candidates marks a defining moment for the Indian American community, which has long been underrepresented in US political structures. Furthermore, the increasing number of Indian American contenders reflects the community’s commitment to greater representation and influence in American politics. As these candidates campaign for positions in state legislations and local bodies, their presence signals a broader shift toward a more inclusive and diverse political landscape. Additionally, Indian Americans like Ro Khanna, Ami Bera, and Raja Krishnamoorthi, who have already made significant strides in Congress, have paved the way for a new generation of leaders from the community. With the ongoing 2024 election, the political engagement of Indian Americans at all levels of government is set to continue growing, reinforcing the community’s vital role in shaping the future of US politics.
