The “Samosa Caucus,” representing Indian-Americans in the US Congress, may soon welcome another member. Suhas Subramanyam emerged victorious in the Democratic primaries in Virginia, setting the stage for his potential election to the House of Representatives in the upcoming November general election. This district, a Democratic stronghold, encompasses suburbs of Washington, D.C.
Subramanyam’s Political Journey
State Senator Suhas Subramanyam triumphed over 11 competitors in a contentious primary, where his main opponent faced serious allegations of sexual harassment. Subramanyam enjoyed the endorsement of outgoing House member Jennifer Wexton, who secured the seat for Democrats in 2018 and was re-elected twice, securing 53% of the vote in 2022. Subramanyam, whose roots trace back to Bengaluru, India, is a 37-year-old lawyer and former technology advisor to President Barack Obama. Elected to the Virginia General Assembly in 2019 and the State Senate last year, he also volunteers as a medic and firefighter.
Republican Challenges and Democratic Strongholds
In New Jersey, Indian-American Rajesh Mohan won the Republican primary for a House seat but faces significant challenges in a heavily Democratic district. Andrew Kim, the incumbent Democrat, is vacating the seat to run for the US Senate, after flipping it from Republican control in 2018 and winning re-election with 55% of the vote in 2022. Despite his medical background and degree from Delhi University College of Medical Sciences, Mohan’s prospects are hindered by the district’s strong Democratic leanings, as confirmed by three Ballotopedia race surveys.
Additional Primaries and Political Dynamics
The primaries also saw notable losses for other Indian-American candidates. In New Jersey, Ravinder Singh Bhalla, the turban-wearing Sikh Mayor of Hoboken, lost the Democratic primary to Rob Menendez, despite a contentious campaign involving accusations and controversial advertisements. Meanwhile, in Oregon, Susheela Jayapal, sister of prominent Representative Pramila Jayapal, failed to secure a Democratic nomination. Pramila Jayapal, leading the Congressional Progressive Caucus, represents Washington State and supports various progressive causes, but her sister’s defeat highlights the ideological tensions within the Democratic primaries.
