Ashwin Ramaswami, a 24-year-old first-generation Indian-American, is making history as the inaugural Gen Z candidate from his demographic to vie for a seat in a US State legislature, specifically in Georgia’s District 48 Senate. His fundraising efforts have garnered considerable attention, having amassed over $280,000 in campaign contributions, a substantial sum particularly noteworthy at the state level. In contrast, his opponent Shawn Still trails significantly, having raised a mere $6,400.
Ramaswami’s campaign disclosed the latest figures from the public campaign finance report, revealing a total fundraising tally exceeding $280,000, with $208,000 in available cash reserves. This financial support reflects the trust and backing Ramaswami has gained from his community.
A second-generation Indian-American, Ramaswami has forged a career path in software engineering, election security, and technology law and policy research. With over seven years of experience in tech startups and a background in federal government service focusing on cybersecurity, he currently operates a consultancy specializing in software architecture, technology law, and policy. Ramaswami’s campaign emphasizes grassroots support and prioritizes values such as honesty, integrity, and community service.
Ramaswami’s platform is centered on addressing key issues affecting his constituents, including education funding, small business support, technological innovation, and safeguarding voting rights. He emphasizes the importance of relevant experience in leadership roles, contrasting his own background with that of his opponent, Shawn Still.
His candidacy has garnered notable endorsements, including one from Congresswoman Lucy McBath, representing Georgia’s seventh Congressional district. Ramaswami’s dedication to public service is underscored by his previous roles, which include working with nonprofits, startups, and small businesses to leverage technology for the public good and job creation. He also served as a civil servant at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), focusing on election security and cybersecurity measures during the 2020 and 2022 elections, as well as a legal fellow in the Georgia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
