Indian Americans in US Election 2024 Live Updates: Six Indian Americans secure seats in US House, one more seat in contention

"I am honoured and humbled that the people of Virginia's 10th District put their trust in me to take on the toughest fights and deliver results in Congress. This district is my home. I got married here, my wife Miranda and I are raising our daughters here, and the issues our community faces are personal to our family. It is an honour to continue serving this district in Washington," Subramanyam said.

Democrat Jeremy Cooney has secured reelection in New York’s 56th State Senate District. The Associated Press announced the result on Wednesday.

Cooney, first elected in 2020, has served as Chairman of the Transportation Committee since 2024 and is an active member of the Monroe County Democratic Committee.

Democrat Herb Conaway won the US House seat for New Jersey’s 3rd District on Wednesday, defeating Republican Rajesh Mohan and several other candidates. The seat was open as Democratic Rep. Andy Kim opted to run for the Senate. Conaway, an Air Force veteran and former state legislator, holds both medical and law degrees and has served as health director for Burlington County, located in suburban Philadelphia. The Associated Press called the race for Conaway at 2:28am. ET.

"Everywhere I go, constituents always come up to me and tell me how my office helped them with their immigration issues, secure a visa, get veterans benefits, get their tax returns, etc. That is a testament to my team and I couldn't be prouder of all their hard work and how effective we are in serving our constituents," Thanedar said.

Democrat Ami Bera secured a US House seat for California on Wednesday, continuing his representation of the state’s 6th Congressional District, which covers northern Sacramento and its suburbs. Bera first won the seat in 2012 after unseating a Republican incumbent and initially achieved narrow victories but has recently expanded his margin of support. Bera, one of five Indian-American members currently serving in the House, defeated Republican candidate Christine Bish. The Associated Press announced Bera’s victory at 3:38am ET.

Suhas Subramanyam, an Indian-American attorney, achieved a milestone by becoming the first member of the community to secure election from Virginia and the entire Eastern Seaboard.

In the electoral contest, Subramanyam secured victory against Republican candidate Mike Clancy. He presently serves as a State Senator in Virginia.

Six Indian Americans won seats in the US House of Representatives, raising their representation from five to six in the new Congress. Suhas Subramanyam, an attorney and Virginia State Senator, made history by becoming the first Indian American elected to Congress from Virginia and the East Coast, defeating Republican Mike Clancy in Virginia’s 10th District.

Subramanyam expressed gratitude to his supporters, stating, “I am honoured and humbled that the people of Virginia’s 10th District put their trust in me to take on the toughest fights and deliver results in Congress.” Subramanyam, previously a White House advisor to President Barack Obama, emphasized his personal connection to the district, where he and his wife Miranda are raising their daughters.

Alongside Subramanyam, all five current Indian American lawmakers retained their seats. Ami Bera, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, and Shri Thanedar were re-elected, sustaining the presence of the so-called “Samosa Caucus” in Congress. Bera, who represents California’s 6th District, remains the senior-most Indian American Congressman, now serving his seventh consecutive term. Thanedar retained Michigan’s 13th District, Krishnamoorthi won Illinois’ 8th District for the fifth time, Khanna won California’s 17th, and Jayapal held Washington’s 7th.

Krishnamoorthi reflected on his journey as a son of immigrants, saying, “My mission in Congress is to fight for all the other families that are pursuing their dreams, no matter where they come from, how they worship, or the number of letters in their names… there are 29 in mine.”

In Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, Dr. Amish Shah held a slim lead over Republican incumbent David Schweikert, with Shah’s votes standing at 132,712 to Schweikert’s 128,606 as of the latest count, with 63% of ballots tallied.

The group 'Sikh Americans for Trump' dances to the tunes of dhol as Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump leads in the US Elections.

Republicans have won control of the US Senate with victories in West Virginia and Ohio on Tuesday, ensuring that Donald Trump's party will control at least one chamber of Congress next year.

Indian American Congressman Shri Thanedar has won re-election in Michigan's 13th Congressional District, defeating Republican Martell Bivings by over 35 percentage points. Thanedar, now serving his second term, credited his victory to his record of strong constituent services, support for working families, and advocacy for unions and reproductive freedom. He expressed pride in his team's efforts, highlighting their effectiveness in helping constituents with immigration, veterans' benefits, and tax issues. Thanedar looks forward to continuing his work, emphasizing federal investment in local municipalities and his contributions to mental health and small business legislation.

Democratic Representative Ro Khanna has secured a second term in the U.S. House, defeating Republican challenger Anita Chen in California's 17th Congressional District. Khanna, first elected in 2016, represents a solidly blue district in Silicon Valley. The Associated Press declared his victory at 12:20 AM EST on November 6. Khanna, who serves on the House Armed Services and Oversight Committees, has held the district's seat, a Democratic stronghold since 1990, with ease.

Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal has won reelection to represent Washington’s 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House, marking her fifth term in office. First elected in 2016, Jayapal has represented the district, which includes Seattle and nearby areas, for nearly a decade. A former Washington state senator, she made history as the first South Asian American woman in the US House and currently chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Democrat Suhas Subramanyam on Tuesday won the open seat in the US House of Representatives in Virginia’s 10th Congressional District.

Subramanyam defeated Republican Mike Clancy after clinching the Democratic nomination in a crowded primary last June. He received endorsement from Rep Jennifer Wexton to be her successor after she declined to seek reelection for health reasons.

Tech policy adviser in the Obama's administration, Suhas began his political career as a state lawmaker in 2020 and was elected to the Virginia Senate last November.

Congressman Ami Bera has represented California’s 6th Congressional District, which includes Sacramento County, in the US House of Representatives since 2013. A first-generation American and medical doctor, Bera has focused on expanding access to affordable healthcare. He serves as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific within the House Foreign Affairs Committee and on the House Intelligence Committee. Bera has built a reputation for bipartisan collaboration, advocating for policies that benefit his constituents over political agendas.

Before entering Congress, Bera worked as Chief Medical Officer for Sacramento County and developed initiatives for underserved populations at UC Davis. As the longest-serving Indian American in Congress, Bera has helped return over $14 million to Sacramento County residents and assisted more than 27,000 constituents with government services. He resides in Sacramento with his wife, Dr. Janine Bera, and their daughter, Sydra.

Democratic Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has secured reelection to represent Illinois' 8th Congressional District in the US House of Representatives. With 57.1% of the vote, Krishnamoorthi comfortably defeated his Republican challenger Mark Rice, who garnered 42.9%. First elected in 2016, Krishnamoorthi is known for his expertise in national security and economic policy, serving as the ranking Democratic member on the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.

Krishnamoorthi, who has served Illinois' 8th District since 2017, represents a diverse constituency that includes parts of Chicago’s northwest side and several west and northwest suburbs. A Harvard-educated lawyer, he has worked in various roles, including as a deputy state treasurer in Illinois and as a policy director in Barack Obama’s administration.

Democratic candidate Suhas Subramanyam has surged ahead of Republican M. Clancy in the race for Virginia's 10th Congressional District, according to early voting results. With 81% of ballots counted, Subramanyam is leading with 53.0%, securing 177,096 votes, while Clancy is trailing at 47.0%, with 156,832 votes. The race remains tight as more votes continue to be counted, leaving the outcome uncertain for now.

Democratic Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi won reelection to the US House, securing another term to represent Illinois' 8th Congressional District. First elected in 2016, Krishnamoorthi is the ranking Democrat on the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. A Harvard-educated lawyer, he has previously held roles in state government, including deputy state treasurer. The district covers parts of Chicago's northwest side as well as several suburban areas to the west and north. The Associated Press called the race in Krishnamoorthi's favor at 9:35 p.m. EST.

Suhas Subramanyam takes lead against Republican opponent Clancy in Virginia's 10th district in the early trends.

Suhas Subramanyam began his political journey driven by a commitment to public service, inspired by his family's American dream that started in Virginia in 1979. After organising relief efforts at Tulane University following Hurricane Katrina, Suhas went on to serve as a policy aide on Capitol Hill, where he worked to expand healthcare, build bipartisan support for immigration reform, and draft legislation to benefit veterans, seniors, and working families. Later, as a White House technology advisor to President Obama, he tackled issues like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and government modernisation.

Elected to the Virginia General Assembly in 2019, Suhas quickly founded the Commonwealth Caucus to champion bipartisan solutions. He’s been a leading advocate for lowering drug prices, curbing toll hikes, and securing refunds for energy overcharges, delivering real results for Virginians. Now, in Congress, Suhas is committed to taking on tough fights for Virginia families and making an impactful difference for his community and state.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, who represents Illinois' 8th District, was first elected to Congress in 2016. He is dedicated to improving the lives of residents in Chicago’s suburbs and serves as the Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition with China. Additionally, Krishnamoorthi is a senior member of both the Intelligence and Oversight Committees. As a co-founder of the Congressional Solar Caucus and vice-chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus, he advocates for policies aimed at middle-class families, such as career education, affordable higher education, and social security protections. Raised in Buffalo, New York, Krishnamoorthi’s educational background includes graduating summa cum laude from Princeton and earning honors from Harvard Law School. He has also held significant roles in public service, including as a policy director for President Obama and a Special Assistant Attorney General in Illinois. Krishnamoorthi lives in Schaumburg with his wife, Priya, and their three children.

Dr. Rajesh Mohan, a quadruple board-certified cardiologist with over 20 years of experience, is running for Congress in New Jersey's 3rd District. A longtime resident of New Jersey, he has held leadership positions, including Chief Medical Officer of a local hospital, and currently leads a multi-specialty medical practice. Dr. Mohan, who holds an MBA, has also taught at medical centers across New Jersey and New York. Actively involved in patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic, he is committed to improving healthcare and resides with his wife, Nandini, and their two sons.

Representative Pramila Jayapal has represented Washington's 7th Congressional District since January 3, 2017. Born in Chennai, India, on September 21, 1965, she moved to the United States at 16 to attend Georgetown University, where she earned her A.B. in 1986. She went on to complete her MBA at Northwestern University in 1990. Before her time in Congress, Jayapal served in the Washington State Senate from 2015 to 2016 and spent two decades advocating for global public health and immigrant rights.

Currently, Jayapal serves as the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement. She is also a member of the House Education and Workforce Committee. As Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Jayapal has been a vocal leader on progressive issues such as immigration reform, universal healthcare, and income inequality. She has played a key role in advancing bills like Medicare for All and the College for All Act, and has been a champion of legislation focused on climate justice and workers' rights.

Representative Ro Khanna, a Democrat, has represented California's 17th Congressional District since 2017. Born in Philadelphia in 1976, he graduated from the University of Chicago and earned a JD from Yale Law School. Before his congressional tenure, Khanna practiced law, taught at Stanford, and served as a deputy assistant secretary in the U.S. Department of Commerce.

In Congress, Khanna is on the House Armed Services Committee, where he holds a key role as ranking member of the Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative Technologies, and Information Systems. Known for drafting the Endless Frontier Act, which led to the CHIPS and Science Act, Khanna focuses on climate policy, labor rights, and student debt relief. He lives in Fremont, California, with his wife

Nine Indian Americans are in the running for seats in the US House of Representatives. Among them are prominent incumbents like Representatives Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Ami Bera, who are recognised for their advocacy on issues ranging from healthcare to immigration reform. New candidates include Dr. Rajesh Mohan, cardiologist; Dr. Prasanth Reddy, a triple-board certified physician with military service; and Suhas Subramanyam, a Virginia state legislator and former Obama administration technology advisor. Also vying are Shri Thanedar, a Michigan Congressman, and Dr. Amish Shah, an emergency and sports medicine physician known for his charitable initiatives.

Dalip Singh Saund made history in 1957 as the first Indian American elected to the U.S. Congress, representing California’s 29th Congressional District. Over his three terms, Saund paved the way for future Indian Americans in US politics.

Decades later, Bobby Jindal continued this legacy, elected to the House from Louisiana in 2005. Jindal served two terms in Congress before moving on to become the Governor of Louisiana, a role he held for two terms.

Despite a projected popular vote lead, the Harris campaign knows the presidency hinges on the electoral college tally of 270 votes. Seven battleground states—Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—hold the balance, together representing 93 electoral votes. Both campaigns have focused their resources on these decisive areas.

Voting will take place across all 50 states in the US on November 5, but experts have identified seven pivotal states, often referred to as 'swing states' or 'purple states' that are crucial for determining the outcome of the presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

These battlegrounds — Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin— collectively hold 93 electoral votes, making them vital for either candidate's path to the 270 electoral votes needed to secure the presidency.

A cross-section of Bengalis residing in the US and working in the IT industry or in universities voted for Democrat candidate Kamala Harris, with many opting for mail-in and early in-person votes before D-day.

However, many of their non-Bengali friends and acquaintances, most of whom are in businesses, cast their ballots in favour of Republican candidate Donald Trump.It also emerged that younger Indians connect more with Democrats' liberal policies, while older Indians may favour Republican policies, specifically around fiscal control, smaller govt and lower taxes.

"This time, Indians are split between the two candidates. Bengalis working in the IT industry are wary that Trump will reduce H1-B visas, while Harris may continue with the current policy. Some Indians believe Trump will maintain a better relationship with PM Narendra Modi and that Harris may not help India," said Dibyendu Kundu, the IT director at the state of Connecticut Judicial Branch, who grew up in Lake Town and still visits his parents, who live here, annually.

"The other issues where Indians may favour Harris are laws on more background checks for gun ownership and limits for automatic weapons. Also, most Indians, and perhaps all Bengalis, would not side with the Republican abortion ban and are pro-choice," he said.

With gender lines drawn, the Harris campaign sees promise in early voting demographics showing a 53-44 per cent female-to-male turnout. A poll in Iowa indicated that older and independent women favor Harris. Meanwhile, Trump has urged his male base to “swamp the vote” on Election Day to secure a decisive victory, echoing his call for an outcome “too big to rig.”

Healthcare and economy: Like many other voters, Indian-Americans prioritise domestic issues such as healthcare and economic stability over foreign policy concerns. These "kitchen table" issues dominate their electoral considerations.

Abortion and reproductive rights: Abortion rights have emerged as a significant concern for many voters within this community, particularly among women. The survey indicates that reproductive rights rank as a vital issue for Indian Americans, influencing their support for candidates like Harris.

Gender divide: A pronounced gender gap exists within voting preferences. While 67% of Indian-American women plan to vote for Harris, only 53% of men express similar intentions. This division highlights differing priorities between genders, with men increasingly leaning towards Republican candidates like Donald Trump.

Harris’s closing events featured entertainers like Lady Gaga and Oprah Winfrey, aiming to energize women voters, while Trump, whose Women for Trump rally notably missed his wife Melania and daughter Ivanka, gained backing from Elon Musk and Joe Rogan, who endorsed him in a high-profile podcast appearance.

With the stakes high, over 80 million Americans are expected to cast ballots in person on Election Day, adding to the 80 million who voted early. Both campaigns pulled out all the stops to rally voters, with Trump wrapping up a late-night rally in Michigan at nearly 2 a.m. on Election Day and Harris finishing a late event in Pennsylvania. Both appeared visibly fatigued as they made their final appeals.

Dr Rakesh Mohan is running for the House of Representatives from the third Congressional District of New Jersey. Dr Rajesh Mohan is a quadruple-board-certified cardiologist with over 20 years in healthcare.

Currently serving as the chief medical officer of a New Jersey hospital, Mohan brings expertise in healthcare policy and management. He was actively involved in frontline care during the COVID-19 pandemic. He is from the Republican party.

Since 2017, Representative Pramila Jayapal has represented Washington’s 7th Congressional District and become a prominent progressive leader within the Democratic Party.

At 59, Jayapal chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus and champions transformative policies, including Medicare for All and the College for All Act.

Born in Chennai, she moved to the United States at age 16 and later earned her MBA from Northwestern University.

Jayapal’s re-election in Washington State is widely anticipated, reflecting her strong support base. She joins three other Indian American lawmakers who are also seen as likely to secure re-election, further solidifying the influence of Indian Americans in US politics.

Ro Khanna, a Congressman for California’s 17th district since 2017, has been instrumental in advancing technology and labor rights. Known for his work on the CHIPS and Science Act, Khanna is a vocal supporter of climate initiatives and student debt relief. He lives in Fremont, California, with his family and remains deeply involved in his local community.

Amish Shah is running for Arizona’s 1st district following three terms in the Arizona State Assembly. Born to immigrant parents in Chicago, Shah holds a degree from Northwestern University and a Master’s in Public Health from UC Berkeley.

An advocate for preventive health, he also founded the Arizona Vegetarian Food Festival to promote healthier lifestyles.

After three successful victories in the Arizona State Assembly in 2018, 2020 and 2022, Dr Amish Shah is now running for House of Representatives in Arizona's First Congressional District.

An emergency room physician, Dr Shah is challenging seven-term incumbent Republican David Schweikert from Arizona's First Congressional District.

Representing California's 6th district since 2013, Congressman Ami Bera is known for his work on healthcare and Indo-Pacific relations.

With a medical degree from the University of California, Irvine, Bera previously worked as Sacramento County's Chief Medical Officer. He advocates for bipartisan problem-solving, focusing on healthcare access and community support.

A physician by profession, Dr Ami Bera is the senior-most Indian American Congressman representing the sixth Congressional District of California since 2013.

Bera, 59, is all set to get a senior leadership position if the Democrats gain a majority in the House of Representatives.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, serving Illinois’ 8th district since 2017, is an influential figure on intelligence and oversight committees.


A former policy director for President Obama, he champions middle-class initiatives and has played a key role in solar energy advocacy. Raised in Buffalo, New York, he graduated from Princeton and Harvard Law School.

Dr Prasanth Reddy, a Republican candidate, is running for the US House of Representatives from Kansas' 3rd Congressional District, taking on three-term Democrat Sharice Davids.


A triple-board-certified physician and lieutenant colonel in the US Air Force Reserve, Reddy brings a distinguished background in healthcare and military service to his campaign. Originally from Chennai, he immigrated to the US as a child, later attending Kansas State University and earning advanced qualifications, including training at Harvard Business School.

Shri Thanedar, currently representing Michigan’s 13th district, entered Congress in January 2023. Prior to his tenure, he served in the Michigan State House from 2021 to 2023 and ran an unsuccessful bid for governor in 2018. Born in Karnataka, India, Thanedar moved to the U.S. for his PhD studies, later earning an MBA from Fontbonne University. He has a background as a chemist and business owner.


Suhas Subramanyam poised to make history as first Indian American likely to be elected from Virginia


Suhas Subramanyam, 38, a former White House technology advisor under President Obama is now seeking to represent Virginia's 10th Congressional District, a traditionally Democratic stronghold.


Since 2019, Subramanyam has served in the Virginia General Assembly, championing causes like affordable healthcare, immigration reform, and veterans’ rights. His campaign platform prioritizes lowering drug prices, reducing tolls, and ensuring refunds for energy overcharges.


Running for the US House from the 10th District, which has a substantial Indian American population in a Virginia suburb near Washington, D.C., Subramanyam is currently a Virginia State Senator. A practicing Hindu, he enjoys widespread support within the Indian American community across the country.

Nine Indian Americans are running for seats in the US House of Representatives, with five incumbents seeking re-election and three making their debut in Congressional races.
The presence of these candidates in US Congressional races highlights the growing political engagement of the Indian American community, with representation spanning several states and key policy areas. This wave of candidacies marks a significant step toward amplifying the voice and influence of Indian Americans in the political landscape.

As the US heads to the polls, Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump wrapped up their final campaign efforts on Monday for what is anticipated to be a highly competitive election. This election cycle also features nine Indian Americans vying for seats in the US House of Representatives, with five incumbents seeking re-election and four candidates making their debut bids.

The six registered voters in Dixville Notch, a tiny New Hampshire outpost known for its tradition of voting first at midnight on Election Day, split their ballots evenly, with three voting for Donald Trump and three for Kamala Harris. This equal division reflects the broader presidential race, described by pollsters and pundits as a toss-up, neck-and-neck, and nearly deadlocked.

California, with nearly 900,000 Indian American residents, has the largest Indian American population in the US and the most candidates in the current races. Prominent Californian leaders include Representatives Ro Khanna and Dr. Ami Bera, as well as Vice President Kamala Harris, whose mother was of Indian descent. Among the candidates in California are Adlah Chisti for County Supervisor in District 11, Aliya Chisti for the San Francisco City College Board, and Darshana Patel for the State Assembly.

Other candidates include Nicole Fernandez for San Mateo City Council, Nithya Raman for Los Angeles City Council, Richa Awasthi for Foster City Council, and Sukhdeep Kaur for Emeryville City Council. In Silicon Valley, Tara Sreekrishnan is running for a State Assembly seat in District 26.

Illinois has contenders like Anusha Thotakura for a school board position and Nabeel Syed for the State House. In Georgia, Ashwin Ramaswamy aims to become the youngest elected to the State Senate despite facing racial attacks.

In Ohio, Chantel Raghu is running for County Commissioner, and Pavan Parikh seeks the role of County Clerk of Courts. Virginia’s Danny Avula is campaigning to become the next mayor of Richmond.

New York candidates include Jeremy Cooney and Manita Sanghvi for the State Senate and Zohran Mamdani for the State Assembly. In Texas, a large slate of candidates includes Ashika Ganguly for City Council, Karthik Soora for State Senate, and Nabil Shike for County Constable. Ramesh Premkumar, Ravi Sandill, Salman Bhojani, and Suleman Lalani are running for various positions, including City Council, judgeships, and State House seats.

In Washington, Manka Dhingra is running for Attorney General, while Mona Das seeks the role of Commissioner of Public Lands. The wide range of candidates underscores the Indian American community’s growing commitment to representation and influence within American politics.

In Michigan, a battleground state, Dr Ajay Raman is competing for Oakland County Commissioner in District 14, while Anil Kumar and Ranjeev Puri are running for seats in the Michigan State House.

Arizona’s Priya Sundareshan seeks a State Senate seat, and Ravi Shah is running for the School Board. Pennsylvania has Anand Patek, Anna Thomas, and Arvind Venkat running for the State House, while Nikil Saval campaigns for the State Senate.

Over 36 Indian Americans are running for state legislatures and local offices across the United States, marking a surge in political engagement within this vibrant, rapidly expanding community. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a strong advocate for Indian American political participation, often reminds community members, "If you are not at the table, you are on the menu," encouraging them to pursue elected roles at all levels.

The study suggests that the Indian-American community continues to show strong support for the Democratic Party, particularly for candidates like Kamala Harris, but that there are notable shifts that could influence electoral outcomes.

The decline in Democratic identification and the rising interest in Republican candidates, especially among younger men, suggest a potential realignment that both parties must heed.

Most eastern states will finish voting by 7 p.m. EST (5:30 am IST), with early results expected by around 10 pm EST (8:30 am IST). Historically, U.S. networks "call" a state early if one candidate secures a clear and commanding lead, especially in states that have historically leaned solidly red or blue.