From governor to city council: Who are the Indian-Americans in fray in US midterms?

Indian-American candidates are contesting federal, state and local offices in the US midterms. Their campaigns signal a broader push for representation by the 5.2 million-strong community in the US.

In Short

• Vivek Ramaswamy vies for Ohio governor, backed by Trump
• Historic Indian-American political presence since 1956 noted
• Several incumbents seek re-election in key states and cities

Indian-American candidates are seeking political office at every level of government in the US, from the governor's mansion to local city councils, as voters head to the polls for Tuesday's midterm elections. At least 57 candidates of Indian-origin are contesting various races, hoping to expand the community's presence in American politics and strengthen its representation in policymaking. The contests involve a 5.2 million-strong community that has gradually established a foothold in US, with candidates now seeking positions across Congress, state governments and local administrations.

Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, endorsed by US President Donald Trump, is in a close contest with Democrat Amy Acton for Ohio governor. If elected, he will become the third governor of Indian heritage after Bobby Jindal of Louisiana and Nikki Haley of South Carolina.

Indian-American political representation in the US dates back to 1956, when Dilip Singh Saund was elected to the House of Representatives. The Amritsar-born politician became the first Asian American and the first Sikh elected to Congress, serving three terms in the House.

Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, who was born in Hyderabad, is seeking re-election in the Democratic stronghold. Nithya Raman is contesting the mayoral election in Los Angeles, the second-largest city in the US.

Democratic members of Congress Ro Khanna, Ami Bera, Pramila Jayapal and Suhas Subramanyam are expected to return to the House in the November 3 elections, PTI reported. Khanna faces Indian-American entrepreneur and Republican candidate Ritesh Tandon in California's 17th district. Jayapal is up against Republican Nirav Sheth, a Gujarat-born former US Marine, in Washington's 7th district.

Democrats Pia Dandiya, a former school principal, and Amish Shah, an emergency medicine physician, are also seeking seats in the House. Dandiya is in a close contest against Republican Casey Aksar in Florida, while Shah is contesting from Arizona. Both have been endorsed by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee as the party seeks to win the seats.

Other House candidates include Republican Mahesh Ganorkar in North Carolina's 4th district and independent candidates Sandeep Dixit in Ohio's 13th district and Anil Kumar in Michigan's 11th district.

In Arizona, Senate Minority Leader Priya Sundareshan is seeking re-election to the state Senate. She is also in the race to become president of the 30-member chamber if Democrats secure a majority. In Michigan, House Minority Leader Ranjeev Puri could become the first Indian-American Speaker if Democrats win control of the House.

Republican Saritha Komatireddy is contesting for New York attorney general against Democratic incumbent Letitia James. Komatireddy, who has been endorsed by Trump, drew attention during her pre-election debate with James. Delhi-educated Lisa Kaul is running for the New York State Senate, while Josh Kaul is seeking re-election as Wisconsin attorney general.

Former immigration attorney Pooja Sethi is contesting for the Texas House of Representatives against Republican Jennifer Mushtaler. In Georgia, Democrat Shuchita Patel is running for Forsyth County Commissioner, while Aparna Raj is seeking a seat on the Washington, DC, City Council.

The candidates are contesting offices at the federal, state and local levels, reflecting the Indian-American community's bid for wider representation in US public life.

With PTI Inputs

- Ends