Washington, Nov 4: Indian-Americans have made a strong showing in the 2026 US midterm elections, with four Indian-origin Democratic lawmakers securing re-election to the US House of Representatives. Pia Dandiya has also made her debut in the US Congress after winning Florida’s 22nd Congressional District.
The victories highlight the growing political representation of the Indian-American community in the United States. Several other Indian-American candidates also contested elections for positions ranging from governor to state legislatures and local offices.
The elections, held on November 3, covered all 435 seats in the US House of Representatives, 35 Senate seats, 36 gubernatorial positions and several local offices.
Ami Bera Wins Eighth Term in US Congress
Indian-American Democratic Congressman Ami Bera, 61, has secured an eighth consecutive term representing California’s 3rd Congressional District. He defeated Republican candidate Robb Tucker.
A physician-turned-politician, Bera is the longest-serving Indian-American member of the US Congress. He was first elected in 2012 and took office in January 2013.
He currently serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and is known for his work on healthcare and international relations.
Born in Los Angeles to Gujarati immigrant parents, Bera completed his medical education at the University of California, Irvine.
Ro Khanna Re-elected from California
Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna, 50, has won re-election from California’s 17th Congressional District, which covers part of Silicon Valley.
Khanna is completing his fifth term and will begin his sixth term in January 2027. His parents immigrated to the United States from India during the 1970s.
He has been an influential Indian-American voice in US politics, particularly on technology, economic policy and foreign affairs.
Suhas Subramanyam Wins Second Term
Indian-American Congressman Suhas Subramanyam, 40, has been re-elected from Virginia’s 10th Congressional District.
He defeated Republican candidate Dave Beckwith, securing more than 61 per cent of the votes.
Subramanyam previously served as an adviser to former US President Barack Obama. Born in Houston to Indian parents, he studied at Tulane University in New Orleans.
First elected to Congress in 2024, he will now serve his second term.
Pramila Jayapal Secures Sixth Term
Democratic Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal has won a sixth term representing Washington’s 7th Congressional District.
First elected to Congress in 2016, Jayapal is a prominent voice on immigration reform, healthcare and progressive policies.
Last month, she faced criticism from India’s ambassador to the United States following her remarks on India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Pia Dandiya Makes Her Congressional Debut
Pia Dandiya, 39, has won Florida’s 22nd Congressional District, defeating Republican candidate Casey Askar.
She secured 51.9 per cent of the vote, marking her entry into the US Congress.
A former high school principal, Dandiya was born and raised in Palm Beach County, Florida. She began her career as a teacher before becoming a school principal in Harlem, New York.
Her victory adds another Indian-American voice to the US House of Representatives.
Aruna Miller Wins Another Term, Vivek Ramaswamy Loses Governor’s Race
Indian-American Democrat Aruna Miller has secured another term as Maryland’s Lieutenant Governor.
However, Indian-American Republican Vivek Ramaswamy lost the Ohio gubernatorial election to Democratic candidate Amy Acton.
Ramaswamy, who received support from US President Donald Trump, had won the Republican primary in May. He is the son of parents who immigrated to the United States from Kerala.
Meanwhile, Republican candidate Mahesh Ganorkar lost the contest for North Carolina’s 4th Congressional District to Democratic incumbent Valerie Foushee.
Several Indian-American Candidates Await Results
Several other Indian-American candidates also contested important elections across the country.
Democrat Amish Shah contested against Republican Jay Feely in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District. Indian-American Nithya Raman faced incumbent Karen Bass in the Los Angeles mayoral election.
In Texas, Democrat Pooja Sethi contested in House District 47 against Republican Jennifer Mushtaler. Another Democratic candidate, Sandeep Srivastava, contested against Republican incumbent Matt Shaheen in District 66.
The outcomes of these contests were still awaited at the time of reporting.
Democrats Take Control of Both Houses of Congress
The 2026 midterm elections also marked a major political shift, with Democrats winning control of both the US House of Representatives and the Senate.
According to the results available on November 4, Democrats had secured 53 Senate seats, while Republicans had won 42 seats. Five races were yet to be called.
In the House of Representatives, Democrats had secured 223 seats against the Republicans’ 131, with 81 seats still awaiting final results.
The newly elected members of Congress are scheduled to take office on January 3, 2027.
Before the elections, Republicans held 53 seats in the Senate, while Democrats and Independents held the remaining seats. In the House, Republicans had a narrow majority.
Growing Political Influence of Indian-Americans
The strong performance of Indian-American candidates reflects the community’s growing political presence in the United States.
With an estimated population of more than five million, Indian-Americans form the second-largest Asian-origin population in the country.
The re-election of experienced lawmakers and the entry of new representatives such as Pia Dandiya highlight the community’s increasing participation and influence in American politics.
