Indian-American Candidates Make Waves in Virginia and New Jersey Primaries

GG News Bureau
Washington, 20th June. In a significant development for Indian-American representation in the US Congress, Suhas Subramanyam has emerged victorious in the Virginia Democratic primaries, bolstering the prospects of the “Samosa Caucus” gaining another member next year. Subramanyam secured the Democratic nomination on Tuesday to vie for a House of Representatives seat encompassing suburban Washington, currently held by the party.

The “Samosa Caucus,” comprising Indian-American Democratic lawmakers such as Ami Bera, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Shri Thanedar, may soon welcome Subramanyam pending the November general election. The Virginia State Senator prevailed over 11 rivals in a keenly contested primary, supported by outgoing House member Jennifer Wexton, who has retained the seat for Democrats since flipping it in 2018.

A former technology advisor to President Barack Obama, Subramanyam boasts a background in cybersecurity and governmental modernization. Beyond politics, the 37-year-old is recognized for his community service as a volunteer medic and firefighter. His roots trace back to Bengaluru, adding a multicultural dimension to his candidacy.

Meanwhile, in New Jersey, Indian-American Rajesh Mohan secured the Republican ticket for a House seat, although facing a daunting challenge in a predominantly Democratic district. Mohan, a cardiologist educated at Delhi University, overcame three Republican rivals and aims to contest a seat currently held by a Democrat, following incumbent Andrew Kim’s decision to pursue a US Senate bid.

Despite Mohan’s victory in the Republican primary, electoral analysts predict a tough race given the district’s solid Democratic leanings. Kim, who flipped the seat from Republican to Democrat in 2018, and secured re-election in 2022, has garnered significant support within the district.

In a contrasting outcome in New Jersey, Ravinder Singh Bhalla, the Mayor of Hoboken and a turban-wearing Sikh, faced defeat in the Democratic primary for a House seat. Bhalla’s bid was challenged by Rob Menendez, the son of Senator Bob Menendez, amidst allegations and negative campaigning. Menendez, the incumbent, retains strong support despite ongoing legal issues involving his father.

Elsewhere, Susheela Jayapal, sister of influential Representative Pramila Jayapal, experienced disappointment in the Oregon Democratic primary for a House seat. A county commissioner and progressive candidate, Susheela Jayapal was among several left-leaning contenders encountering ideological pushback within Democratic circles.