USA (Commonwealth Union)_ The forthcoming US elections on November 7 have garnered heightened attention within the Indian American community, resonating with anticipation as numerous individuals from this community are actively participating in various races across state legislatures and local elections. From gubernatorial and state legislative contests to mayoral and local races, Indian American candidates are making their mark in a multitude of electoral arenas. Emphasizing engagement at local, state, and federal levels, Indian American Impact, an organization dedicated to mobilizing the Indian American diaspora in the electoral process, has extended its support to several candidates poised for election.
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Among the notable Indian American figures vying for key positions in the imminent elections, Puja Khanna emerges as a prominent contender. A passionate advocate for mental health and a small business owner, Khanna, a Democrat, is contesting for the Loudoun County supervisor seat in the Dulles district, Virginia. Her potential victory in these elections would establish her as the first Asian American and Indian American woman to hold a supervisory role in the United States. Opposing incumbent Republican supervisor Matthew Letourneau, who has maintained the seat since 2011, Khanna, a mother of three, is seeking to reshape representation in the local governance landscape.
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Neil Makhija, a lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, brings a wealth of experience in advocacy and politics to his pursuit for Montgomery County Commissioner. With a career spanning two decades in the field, Makhija, a Democrat and Harvard graduate, is engaged in a competitive race against three other candidates. His affiliations with President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and his advisory roles in civil and voting rights underscore the depth of his experience, with previous service under Barack Obama in the White House and the US Senate.
Suhas Subramanyam, currently a delegate in the 87th district of Virginia, embarks on a campaign for the State Senate, District 32. His background as a small business owner and former tech advisor at the White House speaks to the diverse skill set and experience that he aims to bring to this new role. Further, alongside these prominent figures, a cohort of other Indian American leaders stands poised to contribute to the political landscape, including candidates like Ashwini Udgaonkar, Saji Mathew, Priya Tamilarasan, Kannan Srinivasan, Seema Dixit, Nalini Krishnankutty, Minita Sanghvi, Vin Gopal, Rishi Bagga, and Balvir Singh, each with their unique professional backgrounds and areas of expertise, vying for positions in various government and administrative roles across different states in the upcoming elections.
