Washington: Punjabi-origin politicians have emerged among the notable winners of the November 3 US midterm elections, with six candidates securing victories in congressional and state legislative contests. The results brought historic milestones for the community, particularly in Georgia and Texas, where two candidates broke new ground in American political representation.
Jyot Singh’s victory in Georgia’s House District 97 stands out as one of the biggest developments. By winning the constituency, he became the first Sikh and Indian-American to secure election to the Georgia General Assembly. Meanwhile, Pooja Sethi’s success in Texas made her the first Indian-American woman elected to the state’s legislature.
The other four winners — Ro Khanna, Manka Dhingra, Ranjeev Puri and Ash Kalra — retained their respective seats, continuing their political journeys in different parts of the United States. All six candidates are members of the Democratic Party.
Ro Khanna retains congressional seat
California Congressman Ro Khanna won another term from the 17th Congressional District, reportedly securing around 71 per cent of the vote against Republican challenger Ritesh Tandon.
Khanna, whose family has Punjabi roots, is a lawyer and economist. Before entering Congress, he worked as Deputy Assistant Secretary at the US Department of Commerce under former President Barack Obama. He also served as a co-chair of Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign.
His family history is connected to India’s independence movement through his maternal grandfather, Amarnath Vidyalankar, who participated in protests against British colonial rule and spent several years in prison.
Manka Dhingra wins another term in Washington
Washington State Senator Manka Dhingra secured re-election from the 45th District. She also holds the position of Deputy Majority Leader in the state Senate.
A practising lawyer by profession, Dhingra entered the Senate following a special election in 2017. Her legislative priorities have included criminal justice reforms, domestic violence prevention and mental health-related initiatives.
Jyot Singh breaks new ground in Georgia
Jyot Singh’s election victory has brought a historic first for Sikh and Indian-American representation in Georgia’s legislature. Contesting from House District 97, he secured approximately 68 per cent of the vote, defeating Republican candidate Yasin Mogaji.
A Yale University graduate, Singh has been associated with social activism and human rights advocacy. His campaign focused on strengthening public education, supporting families financially and protecting voting rights.
His election has attracted particular attention among Punjabi and Sikh communities, given the absence of a Sikh and Indian-American representative in the Georgia Assembly before his victory.
Ranjeev Puri continues in Michigan legislature
Ranjeev Puri also won another term from Michigan’s 24th House District. As a prominent Democratic leader in the Michigan House, he has been involved in legislative discussions concerning public safety, gun violence and clean energy.
His return to the state legislature marks another electoral success for a politician of Punjabi origin.
Pooja Sethi scripts history in Texas
Pooja Sethi secured a seat in the Texas House of Representatives from District 47, defeating Republican Jennifer Mushtaler with approximately 66 per cent of the vote, according to the supplied election figures.
Sethi is an immigration lawyer who has also worked within the Texas legislative system. Her election represents a milestone for Indian-American women in Texas politics.
During her campaign, she emphasised better financial support for schools, gun safety measures and opposition to racial discrimination.
Ash Kalra re-elected in California
California Assemblyman Ash Kalra completed the list of six successful candidates by retaining his seat from the 25th District. He first entered the state legislature in 2016 and became the first Indian-American to serve in the California State Assembly.
His latest victory extends his presence in California politics and adds to the growing list of Indian-origin representatives holding elected positions across the country.
The six victories highlight the continued participation of Punjabi-origin leaders in American public life. Their electoral success across multiple states also brings greater visibility to the political involvement of Indian-American communities, with Jyot Singh and Pooja Sethi achieving particularly notable milestones.
