Indian-American lawmakers and political leaders across the United States celebrated Diwali following their victories in the 2026 midterm elections, sharing festive greetings and messages highlighting the significance of the Festival of Lights. Ami Bera, Ro Khanna and Suhas Subramanyam were among the prominent politicians who marked the occasion, while Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal strongly condemned the disruption of a Diwali celebration in Seattle by far-right activists.
The celebrations came as several Indian-American political leaders secured electoral victories, reflecting their continued presence in American public life. Lawmakers used social media to share Diwali messages, connect with Indian-origin communities and highlight the festival’s message of hope, unity and the triumph of good over evil.
Pramila Jayapal, a Democratic Congresswoman, criticised an incident in Seattle in which far-right activists disrupted a Diwali event. She reposted a video shared by journalist Jonathan Choe showing activists Jake Lang and Thomas Allen entering the celebration while displaying placards containing anti-Indian and anti-Hindu slogans.
Expressing strong disapproval, Jayapal described the incident as racist and hateful. She said Diwali was an important festival and that members of the community should be able to celebrate it safely. She also stressed that such displays of hatred had no place in American society.
Meanwhile, Indian-American Democratic Congressman Ami Bera celebrated Diwali by sharing a photograph of himself lighting a candle. Bera secured re-election from California’s third congressional district, marking his eighth consecutive victory in the US House of Representatives.
Extending greetings to people celebrating in the Sacramento region and around the world, Bera wished everyone a safe, healthy and joyful Diwali. He highlighted the festival’s message of light overcoming darkness and good prevailing over evil, adding that the occasion should inspire people to come together and build a brighter future.
Congressman Ro Khanna also marked the festival while referring to the Democratic Party’s performance in the midterm elections. In his Diwali message, Khanna highlighted the values of goodness, light and knowledge overcoming darkness and ignorance. His message connected the festive occasion with the political developments following the Democrats’ electoral victories.
Suhas Subramanyam, another Indian-American Democratic leader elected to the US House of Representatives, shared photographs with members of the Indian-origin community. Extending Diwali greetings, he encouraged people to work towards ensuring that light triumphs over darkness.
Nithya Raman, an American politician and urban planner who became the mayor-elect of Los Angeles, also joined the celebrations. Sharing a festive poster on Instagram, Raman wished residents a joyful Diwali and expressed hope that the Festival of Lights would bring happiness, optimism and new beginnings to the city.
The celebrations highlighted the cultural connections maintained by Indian-American political leaders and their engagement with the Indian-origin community across the United States. Diwali continues to hold significance among the Indian diaspora, providing an opportunity to celebrate cultural traditions while promoting messages of harmony, inclusion and togetherness.
However, the Seattle incident also brought attention to concerns about religious intolerance and anti-Indian prejudice in parts of American society. Jayapal’s response underlined the importance of ensuring that people from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds can celebrate their festivals without intimidation or discrimination.
Through their festive messages and public engagements, Indian-American leaders highlighted Diwali’s enduring message of hope, unity and the victory of light over darkness.
