4 Indian Americans Shine in US Midterm Polls

In the recent midterm polls in the United States, which is regarded as one of the most polarised election, 4 Indian American Congressmen from the Democratic party were re-elected to the US House of Representatives, which is equivalent to Lok Sabha in Indian parliament and more than 12 other candidates won the election seats from other races across the country.

In the District of Illinois, Raja Krishnamoorthi was re-elected for the second term by a good margin of more than 30 percent points. He defeated his Indian-American Republican opponent JD Diganvker. Three-time lawmaker Dr. Ami Bera is re-elected for a record fourth consecutive time from the District of California. He defeated Republican Party’s Andrew Grant by a small margin of 5% votes. In the Silicon Valley, Indian American, Ro Khanna defeated Ron Cohen of the Republican Party with a massive 44 percent difference in the District of California.

Ro Khanna, later said, “Tonight was a great night for our campaign and for Democrats across the country. I'm grateful to the voters of #CA17 for giving me the opportunity to continue to represent you in Congress. This has been the honour of my life. With Democrats in control of the House, we will push for economic and foreign policy populism”.

On the other hand, the only Indian American woman lawmaker in the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, defeated her rival Craig Keller by 66 percent points. In her victory speech from Seattle, she said, “The American people voted to put the Democrats back in control of the US House of Representatives. Now, we are primed to restore the balance of power between the branches of government and push back even more strongly against the Trump administration's deeply destructive policies. Our communities are sick and tired of the corruption and injustice. With new and diverse voices joining our ranks, we are building a movement that truly represents the people of this country”.

The emergence of a large number of young Indian American candidates reflects the growing desire of the small ethnic community, which comprises just one percent of the US population of 32.57 crores. However, in the election, none of the 12 other Indian American candidates running for the Congress were able to win in their contest. But in comparison to past elections, Indian Americans have done well in this election.