Indian American Impact congratulated Nithya Raman on her victory over incumbent Karen Bass in the Los Angeles mayoral election, saying she will become the first South Asian American to lead the nation’s second-largest city.
In a statement, the organization described Raman’s victory as a reflection of the growing political influence of South Asian Americans in California. According to IA Impact, the state is home to more than 1 million South Asian residents, the largest such population in the country.
“Nithya Raman ran on lowering rents, building housing faster, and making city services work for Angelenos, and voters chose her to deliver it. With her win, South Asian Americans will lead the two largest cities in the United States,” said Chintan Patel, executive director of Indian American Impact.
The organization said it has supported Raman since her City Council campaign and endorsed her mayoral bid in April.
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“We congratulate her on this historic victory and look forward to working with her at City Hall,” Patel added.
IA Impact also congratulated six endorsed candidates who won congressional races. Reps. Ami Bera (CA-03), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ro Khanna (CA-17), and Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) secured reelection, while Pia Dandiya (FL-22) and Dr. Amish Shah (AZ-01) won their first terms in Congress.
According to the organization, Shah will become the first Indian American to represent Arizona in Congress, while Dandiya will be the first to represent Florida.
IA Impact said it mobilized and invested more than $625,000 in congressional races during the election cycle.
“Dr. Amish Shah and Pia Dandiya will be the newest Indian American members of Congress, and their victories speak to the growing political power of our communities. They join Rep. Bera, Rep. Jayapal, Rep. Khanna, and Rep. Subramanyam, strong champions of our community and friends of Indian American Impact,” Patel said.
Patel said all six candidates are committed to lowering costs for working families, expanding access to health care, and protecting immigrants. He also described them as a potential check on the Trump administration in the next Congress.
Citing concerns about rising hate directed at their communities, Patel emphasized the importance of representation and said the lawmakers would work to keep those communities safe.
“We congratulate each on their well-deserved victories, and we look forward to working with this group to deliver for all Americans,” he added.
