New Delhi: The Indian Americans have made a resounding entry in the mid-term US elections, as record 5 Democrat candidates from the community have made it to the US House of Representatives.
They are Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Ami Bera and Pramila Jayapal, and Shri Thanedar. Their election to US House has further emboldened the clout of Indian Americans community and have joined the likes of incumbent Vice President Kamla Harris.
A look at 5 Indian American members:
Ami Bera
Ami Bera is one of the senior most Congress members from the community to be elected in the US House. Though, a significant number of votes are to be counted, he is likely to retain the control of his seat.
The 57-year old is seeking his 6th term and as per latest reports, he was leading by more than 12% of votes against his Republican rival Tamika Hamilton.
Hailing from Gujarat, he first contested the elections in 2010, however unsuccessfully but then went on to win 6 consecutive elections, year after year.
Ro Khanna
The 46 year old Ro Khanna hails from Punjab and was born in Philadelphia. In the 17th Congressional district, he defeated his Indian Republican rival Ritesh Tandon. He had secured almost 70% votes while the rival barely managed 30% of votes.
His first election was in 2014, which he lost. But, then went on win subsequent elections in 2016, 2019, 2020 and this year.
Raja Krishnamoorthi is Delhi born and he immigrated to US along with his family in 1973. He has been a elected representative from Illinois since 2017.
The 49-year-old was targeted by Muslim fanatics during the poll campaign, who accused him of pandering to certain propaganda. In strong counter, he appealed to fellow Americans to “denounce bigotry” and called for “focus on everything that is common among Americans.”
Pramila Jayapal
The 57-year-old Jayapal is the lone woman candidate from the community. In the 7th Congressional district of Washington State, she won with a decisive 85% votes against Republican candidate who was polled just 15%.
She moved on to US in 1982 for college, when she was 16 years old.
Shri Thanedar
The 67 year old Indian American won his 1st election in the US House from 13th Congressional District of Michigan.
He hails from Karnataka’s Belgavi and came to US in 1979 to pursue PhD. He then worked as businessman and entrepreneur.