Ashwin Ramaswami, hailing from a Tamil Nadu immigrant family, represents a significant milestone as the first Indian-American of Generation Z to vie for a State or federal legislature in the United States. At 24, his bid for Georgia State Senate District 48 underlines a fresh wave of youthful politicians emerging within the community.
His narrative embodies the quintessential American Dream as the offspring of parents who migrated to the U.S. in 1990. A voice of his generation, Ramaswami aims to champion equality of opportunity, drawing from his personal upbringing and career in software engineering, election security, and technology law and policy research.
A Democratic nominee, his candidacy seeks to unseat incumbent Republican Shawn Still, aligning with progressive values and aspirations. Ramaswami’s platform emphasizes access to quality education, job creation, healthcare, and reproductive rights, reflecting a blend of Indian heritage and American ethos.
His journey reflects a rich cultural tapestry, rooted in Hindu philosophy and values imbibed through childhood experiences at the Chinmaya Mission Balavihar. Beyond academic pursuits, his interest in Sanskrit, ancient texts, yoga, and meditation underscores a deep connection to Indian culture.
As a civil servant, he honed his skills at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), advocating for cybersecurity and election integrity, crucial in the backdrop of recent electoral events. His unique background, blending computer science with law, positions him as a trailblazer in Georgia’s legislative landscape.
Ramaswami’s candidacy symbolizes the aspirations of a politically aware Generation Z, eager to effect change despite systemic challenges. By navigating traditional barriers, he aims to amplify the voices of his peers, emphasizing inclusivity and progress for all.
