Washington: A record five Indian-American politicians, including Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Ami Bera and Pramila Jayapal of the ruling Democratic Party, were elected to the US House of Representatives while several others have won mid-term elections in the states.
The industrialist-turned-politician became the first Indian-American to win the election from Michigan, defeating Republican candidate Martell Bivings. The police officer, 67, is representing the third district in michigan house
Raja Krishnamoorthi, 49, won the election for the fourth time in a row from illinois’ 8th congressional district. He defeated Republican rival Chris Dargis. In Silicon Valley, Ro Khanna, 46, defeated his fellow Republican opponent Ritesh Tandon in California’s 17th Congressional District. Chennai-born Pramila Jayapal is the only Indian-American woman lawmaker to defeat her GOP rival Cliff Moon in washington’s 7th Congressional District.
Amy Bera, 57, is contesting from California’s 7th Congressional District, the results of which are yet to be announced.
Indian-American candidates have also made inroads in state elections. In Maryland, Aruna Miller has become the first Indian-American politician to win the election of Lieutenant Governor. However, Sandeep Srivastava lost to former Collin County Judge Keith Self from texas’s third congressional district.