Indian American and South Asian candidates from the Democratic Party achieved major victories across the United States in the November 4 elections, marking a historic moment for representation and diversity in American politics.

Ghazala Hashmi Makes History in Virginia

In Virginia, State Senator Ghazala Hashmi made history as the first Muslim-American woman elected to statewide office in the United States, becoming the Commonwealth’s first Indian American and South Asian Lieutenant Governor.

“Thank you, Virginia, for the immense honor bestowed upon me to serve as your next Lieutenant Governor. This moment belongs to every Virginian who believes that our politics must be more hopeful, more inclusive, and more compassionate,” said Lieutenant Governor-elect Hashmi in her message to supporters on November 5.

In an exclusive interview with South Asian Herald, on October 26, Hashmi reflected on the long and often overlooked history of South Asians in the United States. “What a lot of folks don’t realize is that South Asians have been a part of this nation’s complex history for centuries, as part of the Sikh community, entrepreneurs, and businessmen. Many different individuals have established their deep roots in this country across from California to Texas to Michigan to the eastern coast,” she said.

Hashmi emphasized that her election continues that legacy. “It’s important that we recognize that South Asians have played a critical role in so many facets of this nation, and it’s time for South Asians to be a part of the political landscape as well. We’ve seen that happen over the last 50 years,” she said.

Running for statewide office, she added, carried deep personal significance. “It’s a part of the legacy that I’m inheriting from so many South Asians. And I think I bring a voice and a perspective that’s necessary, especially as our immigrant communities grow and expand here in Virginia.”

Democrats Sweep Virginia

Hashmi’s election was part of a broader Democratic wave across Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City. In Virginia, former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger was elected as the state’s first woman Governor – another milestone in a night of historic firsts.

“I thank you for the trust that you have placed in me, and it is the honor of my lifetime to be elected the 75th Governor of the Commonwealth,” Spanberger said in her victory address. “We send a message to every corner of the Commonwealth, a message to our neighbors and our fellow Americans across the country, we sent a message to the whole world that in 2025 Virginia chose pragmatism over partisanship. We chose our Commonwealth over chaos.”

Spanberger outlined her administration’s priorities, pledging to tackle affordable housing, reduce healthcare costs, and address pharmaceutical price abuses. She promised to produce more energy while ensuring large utility users “pay their fair share” and committed to investing in apprenticeships, AI innovation, and advanced manufacturing to strengthen Virginia’s economy.

“We are going to take politics out of our schools. We’re going to make sure teachers are well paid and well respected,” she added.

On reproductive rights, Spanberger was unequivocal: “Virginia is the only state in the South that hasn’t restricted women’s reproductive rights. Healthcare decisions about contraception, fertility treatments, and reproductive care will continue to be made between women and their doctors.”

She also promised to support federal workers and contractors affected by instability in Washington. “Our federal workforce is under attack,” she said. “The chaos coming out of Washington is killing Virginia jobs and creating economic uncertainty for tens of thousands of families. To those impacted by layoffs and furloughs, please know that I will direct the full power of the Governor’s office to support you.”

A Blue Wave of Representation

Maryland’s Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller congratulated fellow Democrats across state lines, saying, “Congratulations to everyone who made this possible.” She added that she and Governor Wes Moore are “ready to keep this momentum going.”

Virginia State Senator Kannan Srinivasan called the night “historic” for the Commonwealth. 

“After the 2024 Presidential Election, voters across Virginia and across the Nation showed up with energy, conviction, and hope,” Srinivasan told South Asian Herald. “What we witnessed was a huge blue wave and a historic night for our Commonwealth. I’m proud to be part of Virginia history with the election of our first female Governor, our first Indian American and Muslim Lieutenant Governor, and our first Black Attorney General.”

Srinivasan said voters “spoke loudly and clearly,” rejecting divisive politics in favor of leaders who will “focus on tackling the rising cost of living, strengthening our communities, and delivering good, responsible governance that puts people first.”

“Today, we celebrate, and tomorrow, we get to work,” he added.

Virginia State Senator Saddam Salim, who is of Bangladeshi-origin, echoed that sentiment, saying the results sent a clear signal to national leaders. 

“Today, Virginia voters used their voice to send a clear message to President Trump and the Republican Party: not in Virginia. Virginians have had enough of the militarization of our streets, the politicization of our schools, and the illegal and violent attacks on our fundamental civil rights, including the rights of federal employees. Virginians want leaders who will stand up for us,” he said, crediting Spanberger, Hashmi, and Attorney General Jay Jones for embodying that spirit.

Democratic Wins Across the Country

In Virginia, Delegate JJ Singh representing District 26 won re-election, defeating Republican challenger Ommair Butt. “I’m grateful to the people of Loudoun County for their confidence in me,” Singh told South Asian Herald when asked about his victory. “But I would be remiss if I failed to mention the historic nature of the election. Not only do we have our first woman Governor in Abigail Spanberger, but also the first South Asian elected to statewide office in Virginia, Ghazala Hashmi.” 

Their victories mean so much for his “two daughters,” Singh added noting “As I like to say, in Loudoun County, and in Virginia, anything is possible.”

Beyond Virginia, South Asian and Indian American Democrats celebrated victories in several states. In New York, Zohran Mamdani became the first Muslim Mayor to hold the office, City Council member Shekar Krishnan was re-elected to represent District 25. Anant Nambiar was elected Westchester County Legislator, and Minita Sanghvi became County Supervisor of Saratoga Springs.

Commending Mamdani on his “impressive campaign,” New York Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, noted “I look forward to working together for the betterment of NYC.”

In New Jersey, Edison Mayor Sam Joshi won re-election, while Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla was elected to the New Jersey State Assembly from District 32. Assemblyman Balvir Singh was re-elected to the New Jersey State House from Burlington Township’s LD-7. Other winners included Sangeeta Doshi (Cherry Hill City Council), Sterley Stanley (New Jersey LD-18), and Diya Patel (Parsippany Town Council).

In Pennsylvania, voters elected Venu Paruvelli and Uday Palled to the Franklin Park City Council, Joe Khan as District Attorney of Bucks County, and Nalini Krishnankutty to another term on the State College Borough Council.

In Ohio, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval secured re-election, joined by Ajmeri Hoque, elected Judge of Franklin County, and Kim Singh, elected to the Mason City Council.

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