Indian-Americans are making significant strides in U.S. politics this year, highlighted by Pranita Venkatesh’s historic election as mayor of San Carlos, California. Her election follows Zohran Mamdani’s milestone as New York City’s mayor, marking Venkatesh as the second mayor in the country of Indian-origin heritage.
On December 8, 2025, Venkatesh was officially sworn in as the mayor of San Carlos, a city of 28,000 residents located in San Mateo County, near Silicon Valley. Known as the “City of the Gold Life,” San Carlos now celebrates one of its youngest mayors, who also represents South Asian heritage in civic leadership.
Venkatesh is a member of the Indo-Fiji diaspora, born in Fiji to Indian parents, and relocated to California at the age of four. She has lived in San Carlos since 2009 with her husband and two children. Prior to her political career, Venkatesh worked as a child psychologist in East Palo Alto and as a buyer at Macy’s. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Notre Dame de Namur and a master’s in early childhood and clinical psychology. Additionally, she serves as the director of Paragon Montessori, a local preschool in San Carlos.
Her political journey began with service on San Carlos’ Economic Development Advisory Commission for three years, followed by her election to the City Council in 2022, backed by the San Mateo Democratic Party. She was unanimously sworn in as mayor, reflecting both community confidence and her commitment to leadership.
In conversations with local media, Venkatesh outlined her priorities as public safety, childcare, economic stability, infrastructure, and affordable housing. She emphasized her goal of connecting community needs with effective municipal governance. Her election has been celebrated as a representation of the city’s vibrant diversity and an inspiration for others aiming to serve.
The Hindu American Foundation congratulated Venkatesh on social media, praising her as a trailblazing Indian-Fijian child psychologist and one of San Carlos’ youngest mayors, highlighting the growing presence of Indian-origin leaders in American civic life.
