Saturday, June 20, 2026
ADVT 
International

‘Samosa Caucus’ In Focus As 100 Indian-Americans Run For Mid-Term Polls

Darpan News Desk IANS, 05 Nov, 2018 01:49 PM
    At a time when anti-immigrant sentiment is at its peak, nearly 100 Indian-Americans are on the ballot for the US midterm elections and have emerged as strong contenders.
     
     
    While all eyes will be on the so-called "Samosa Caucus" -- the unofficial group of five Indian-Americans in the current Congress -- the emergence of such a large number of young Indian-Americans reflects the growing desire of this small ethnic community comprising one per cent of the US population.
     
     
    "It has been incredible to see the rise of Indian-Americans in US politics," former US ambassador to India Richard Verma said.
     
     
    All four Indian-American lawmakers in the present House of Representatives are expected to easily sail through Tuesday's midterm polls.
     
     
    They are three-term Congressman Ami Bera from the seventh Congressional district of California and three first timers, who are seeking their re-election: Ro Khanna from 17th Congressional District of California, Raja Krishnamoorthi from eighth Congressional District of Illinois and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal from seventh Congressional District of Washington State.
     
     
    The four incumbents are joined by seven other Indian-Americans on the ballot for House of Representatives.
     
     
    Entrepreneur Shiv Ayyadurai is the sole Indian-American to be running for Senate. He has pitched himself as an independent against the powerful Elizabeth Warren -- a potential Democratic presidential candidate -- for the Senate seat in Massachusetts.
     
     
    But they are not all.
     
     
    "This year, nearly 100 Indian-Americans ran for office in all levels of government, including some who could flip House seats from red to blue," John Santos, spokesperson for AAPI media of Democratic National Committee, said.
     
     
    This election could be transformational -- sending a number of new members into the House of Representatives and state legislatures as well, observed Mr Verma, who has campaigned for several Indian-Americans running for offices. "From Arizona, to Texas, Ohio, Michigan and beyond - we have a great slate of Indian-American candidates,"
     
     
    "I hope that our number (in the Congress) increases," Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi told PTI in an interview.
     
     
    Mr Krishnamoorthi, who has raised more than $5 million, according to latest figures of the Federal Election Commission, had coined the term "Samosa Caucus" in the Congress.
     
     
    When Mr Bera was elected for the Congress for the first time six years ago, he had hoped that in a decade, the number of Indian-Americans would be in double digit.
     
     
    If Desis for Progress are to be believed, the community is moving in that direction. At least three Indian-Americans are locked up in toss-up races - Tipirneni, Kulkarni and Pureval.
     
     
    NBC News this week also listed out the three Indian-Americans as those who could make a difference in their races.
     
     
    Mr Verma feels the only way to give the Indian-American candidates a chance to serve is to get out and vote. "The stakes are so high. This is the most important election of my lifetime."
     
     
    The former American diplomat said he was disappointed and concerned at the "racist, anti-immigrant" closing argument made by President Donald Trump and thinks this kind of fear mongering should concern all Americans, particularly immigrants.
     
     
    "We have to stand up and be heard at the ballot box so we can stamp out the fear and hate, and prop up the terrific crop of candidates who have shown the courage to run and who are running on a very positive, inclusive and pro-growth agenda," he said.
     
     
    Mr Krishnamoorthi echoed Mr Verma, saying it all starts with voters getting out and making sure that their voice is heard on the election day. "I want to see greater number (of Indian-Americans for elected office) and I'd like to see them happen across the geographic landscape."
     
     
    According to Mr Santos, these candidates have put districts in play that President Trump won because they are talking about the issues that matter to voters, like protecting access to quality and affordable healthcare and investing in higher education.
     
     
    "The DNC is proud to have the backs of Indian-American candidates running up and down the ticket who are working hard to engage diverse constituencies and expand participation of communities who often feel ignored and left behind," Mr Santos said.

    MORE International ARTICLES

    Memorial In Honour Of Indian Bus Driver To Come Up In Brisbane

    Memorial In Honour Of Indian Bus Driver To Come Up In Brisbane
      A preliminary investigation by the Australian authorities into the killing of 29-year-old Manmeet Sharma alias Alisher has indicated mental illness of the assailant as the probable cause of the horrific crime.

    Memorial In Honour Of Indian Bus Driver To Come Up In Brisbane

    SPCA Says Flock Of Abandoned Ducklings Need New Homes In Metro Vancouver

    ALDERGROVE, B.C. — A mystery involving nearly 200 ducklings is unfolding in the community of Aldergrove, B.C.

    SPCA Says Flock Of Abandoned Ducklings Need New Homes In Metro Vancouver

    Neil Prakash, Australia's Most-Wanted Jihadist, With Indian Links, Arrested

    Neil Prakash, Australia's Most-Wanted Jihadist, With Indian Links, Arrested
    Once believed to be dead, Australia's most wanted Islamist terrorist, Neil Prakash, whose father is a Fiji-Indian, is reported to have been arrested while trying to cross over from war-torn Syria into Turkey.

    Neil Prakash, Australia's Most-Wanted Jihadist, With Indian Links, Arrested

    Distraught Indian In UAE Sees Ray Of Hope

    Distraught Indian In UAE Sees Ray Of Hope
    An Indian man who was forced to spend over eight months on the terrace of a building in UAE's Ajman city is finally getting much needed offers of help, a newspaper said on Friday.

    Distraught Indian In UAE Sees Ray Of Hope

    Stage Actress Kismat Baig Shot Dead In Pakistan's Lahore

    Stage Actress Kismat Baig Shot Dead In Pakistan's Lahore
    Kismat Baig was returning to her house after performing at a stage play when gunmen riding a car and a motorcycle intercepted her and opened fire at her last evening

    Stage Actress Kismat Baig Shot Dead In Pakistan's Lahore

    Trudeau Says There's No Link Between Him And Foundation Bearing Family Name

    MONROVIA, Liberia — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is distancing himself from a growing opposition furor over a private Liberal fundraiser where one attendee subsequently donated $1 million to the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation.

    Trudeau Says There's No Link Between Him And Foundation Bearing Family Name