Nation / Tue, 03 Nov 2026 News18

US Midterm Elections 2026: Meet The Indian-Origin Candidates In The Race

From Republican Vivek Ramaswamy's bid for Ohio governor to Democratic lawmakers seeking re-election, here are 11 Indian-origin candidates to know. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)4 / 12 Pramila JayapalPramila Jayapal is seeking another term in the US House of Representatives from Washington's 7th Congressional District. She is among the Indian-origin candidates seeking a prominent leadership position in local government. His campaign adds to the number of Indian-origin candidates seeking seats in state legislatures. Her campaign is among the Indian-origin candidates' efforts to gain representation in the US House of Representatives.

Last Updated: November 03, 2026, 09:08 IST

1 / 12 The United States is holding its midterm elections on November 3, 2026, with all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 Senate seats up for election, alongside several state and local contests. A number of candidates of Indian origin are seeking public office, including lawmakers looking to retain their seats and newcomers hoping to make their mark. From Republican Vivek Ramaswamy's bid for Ohio governor to Democratic lawmakers seeking re-election, here are 11 Indian-origin candidates to know. (Image: Reuters)

2 / 12 Vivek Ramaswamy

Republican Vivek Ramaswamy is contesting the Ohio gubernatorial election. The entrepreneur, whose parents immigrated from Kerala, became a prominent figure in American politics during his 2024 presidential campaign. He later withdrew from the race and endorsed Donald Trump. In 2026, Ramaswamy won the Republican nomination for Ohio governor with Trump's backing. He previously served as a co-chair of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

3 / 12 Ro Khanna

Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna is seeking re-election from California's 17th Congressional District, which includes parts of Silicon Valley. Born in Philadelphia to Punjabi parents, Khanna is known for his progressive political views and his work on technology, economic policy and manufacturing. He has also been a vocal critic of several policies introduced by US President Donald Trump. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

4 / 12 Pramila Jayapal

Pramila Jayapal is seeking another term in the US House of Representatives from Washington's 7th Congressional District. Born in Chennai, she has represented the constituency since 2017 and became the first Indian-American woman elected to the House. A prominent progressive Democrat, Jayapal has been involved in debates on immigration, healthcare, economic inequality and voting rights. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

5 / 12 Ami Bera

Democratic Congressman Ami Bera is contesting from California's 3rd Congressional District. A physician by training, Bera was born in the United States to Gujarati parents who migrated from Rajkot. He was elected to Congress in 2012 and has been among the prominent Indian-American lawmakers in Washington. He has also served as co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

6 / 12 Suhas Subramanyam

Democrat Suhas Subramanyam is seeking re-election from Virginia's 10th Congressional District. He made history in 2024 by becoming the first Indian-American elected to Congress from Virginia and the East Coast. His mother is from Bengaluru and his father is from Chennai. Before entering Congress, Subramanyam served in Virginia's state legislature. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

7 / 12 Saritha Komatireddy

Republican Saritha Komatireddy is contesting the New York attorney general election. A lawyer with experience in national security and cybercrime cases, she has worked on cases involving terrorism, international narcotics and money laundering. She has also held senior positions in the US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York. (File Photo)

8 / 12 Nithya Raman

Nithya Raman, an urban planner and member of the Los Angeles City Council, is contesting the city's mayoral election. She was elected to the council in 2020 and won a second term in 2024. Raman has worked on issues including housing, homelessness and neighbourhood development. She is among the Indian-origin candidates seeking a prominent leadership position in local government. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

9 / 12 Pooja Sethi

Democratic candidate Pooja Sethi is contesting Texas House District 47. An attorney by profession, she has previously worked as chief of staff in the Texas Legislature. She has also served as chair of the Travis County Democratic Party. Her campaign is part of the wider Indian-origin presence in state-level politics across the US. (Image: Facebook)

10 / 12 Sandeep Srivastava

Sandeep Srivastava, a Democrat, is contesting Texas House District 66. A businessman and community advocate based in the Plano-Frisco area, he is challenging a Republican incumbent who has represented the constituency for five terms. His campaign adds to the number of Indian-origin candidates seeking seats in state legislatures. (Image: Facebook)

11 / 12 Pia Dandiya

Democrat Pia Dandiya is contesting Florida's 22nd Congressional District. A former high school principal and a first-generation American, she is challenging Republican Casey Askar. Her campaign is among the Indian-origin candidates' efforts to gain representation in the US House of Representatives. (File Photo)