Tuesday, June 30, 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

    Hospitalized Woman Facing Deportation Has Hearing Into Possible Release

    Hospitalized Woman Facing Deportation Has Hearing Into Possible Release
    HALIFAX — A hearing will be held today to determine if a hospitalized woman facing deportation back to England should be moved from a detention list.

    Hospitalized Woman Facing Deportation Has Hearing Into Possible Release

    Decent Men Do Not Demean Women: Michelle Obama

    US First Lady Michelle Obama has taken a dig at Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, saying decent men do not "demean" women as she appealed to the Americans not to tolerate such kind of behaviour from any man.

    Decent Men Do Not Demean Women: Michelle Obama

    Raped, Impaled - High School Student's Murder Sparks Protests In Argentina

    Raped, Impaled - High School Student's Murder Sparks Protests In Argentina
    Dressed in black, thousands of Argentines took to the streets Wednesday to protest the brutal rape and murder of a 16-year-old girl, the latest case of violence against women to shock the country.

    Raped, Impaled - High School Student's Murder Sparks Protests In Argentina

    Donald Trump Rhetoric Gives Hope To Indian-American Congress Hopeful

    An Indian-American social-worker running for the US Congress from New Jersey is confident of winning the seat and dislodging a four-time Republican veteran in the November 8 general elections due to Donald Trump's rhetoric and lewd remarks about women.

    Donald Trump Rhetoric Gives Hope To Indian-American Congress Hopeful

    A US Man Called Police To Help His Distressed Wife. They Wound Up Killing Her

    A US Man Called Police To Help His Distressed Wife. They Wound Up Killing Her
    The man told a 911 operator that his wife was in distress. He wanted a mental health officer sent to their south Austin apartment to help calm things down.

    A US Man Called Police To Help His Distressed Wife. They Wound Up Killing Her

    Woman Facing Deportation Issues Plea To Stay In Country She Considers Home

    HALIFAX — A 33-year-old woman facing deportation to the U.K. pleaded Thursday to be allowed to stay in the country she considers home, a day before a hearing that may shed light on her fate.

    Woman Facing Deportation Issues Plea To Stay In Country She Considers Home