Indian-American and South Asian Candidates Make Historic Push in US Elections
As Americans head to the polls, a record number of Indian-American and South Asian candidates are competing for key positions nationwide, marking significant political milestones across multiple states.
Key Takeaways
- 36 endorsed South Asian candidates on ballots nationwide
- Historic races in Virginia, New York City, and multiple states
- Record endorsements in odd-numbered election year
“It takes immense courage to run for office, and these leaders have stepped up to represent their communities and build a better future for this country,” said a statement by Indian American Impact.
Record-Breaking Candidate Numbers
Indian American Impact has endorsed 50 South Asian candidates this election cycle, setting a new record for the organization in an odd-numbered election year. Of these, 36 candidates will appear on ballots across the country.
High-Profile Races to Watch
Virginia Lieutenant Governor: Ghazala Hashmi
Ghazala Hashmi, the first Muslim and first South Asian American to serve in the Virginia Senate, is competing for Virginia Lieutenant Governor. The four-year-old immigrant from India made history in 2019 by winning an upset victory over a Republican incumbent, delivering Democrats their first majority in years.
In 2024, she was appointed Chair of the Senate Education and Health Committee, positioning her at the forefront of key Democratic priorities including reproductive freedom and public education.
New York City Mayor: Zohran Mamdani
Thirty-four-year-old Zohran Mamdani leads the New York City mayoral race as the Democratic frontrunner. The Uganda-born, New York-raised State Assemblymember and democratic socialist faces former Governor Andrew Cuomo (independent) and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
Mamdani, son of filmmaker Mira Nair and author Mahmood Mamdani, defeated Cuomo in the Democratic primary and maintains double-digit leads in recent polls. Current Mayor Eric Adams dropped out of the race in September amid administration scandals.
Other Notable Candidates
- Aftab Pureval: Running for Mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio. His Tibetan mother fled Chinese occupation and grew up in a South Indian refugee camp, while his father is Punjabi.
- Satish Garimella: Competing for Mayor of Morrisville, North Carolina
- Dini Ajmani: Running for Mayor of Hoboken, New Jersey, where former two-term Mayor Ravi Bhalla now seeks New Jersey State Assembly
Additional Indian-American and South Asian candidates are contesting City Council positions in New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Washington, Georgia, Florida, and Pennsylvania.
Community Mobilization
With local elections occurring in most US states, Indian American Impact is urging community members to exercise their voting rights.
“Election Day is Tuesday, and across the country, our communities have the chance to shape the future. Whether you’re in California, Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, or Georgia, your vote matters — and your voice can make the difference between progress and setback,” the organization stated.
The outcome of these races could significantly impact and community representation across American politics.
