Not just Zohran Mamdani, these Indian-origin, South Asians leaders won in US mayoral elections too
The Live Info Media
The recent Tuesday elections in the United States were a major success story for Indian-Americans. While many focused on one well-known winner, three candidates with Indian roots achieved significant gains in races across New York, Virginia, and Ohio. These victories highlight the growing influence and presence of the South Asian American community in US politics.
Zohran Mamdani: Making History in New York City
Zohran Mamdani celebrated a historic win as the new Mayor of New York City. His victory is significant because he is the city’s first Muslim, first Indian-origin, and first African-born mayor. Mamdani is the son of acclaimed Indian filmmaker Mira Nair. His campaign, which used catchy music and viral videos, helped him upset a more established opponent in the Democratic primary before securing his victory.
Ghazala Hashmi: A Rise in Virginia
Another major winner was Ghazala Hashmi, who won the race for Virginia Lieutenant Governor (LG). This is a huge achievement for a politician who first entered the political scene in 2019, where she flipped a Republican-held state Senate seat. Hashmi already held the distinction of being the first Muslim and first South Asian American to serve in the Virginia Senate. Her victory means she will take on a crucial new role, and a special election will be held to fill her vacated Senate seat.
Aftab Pureval: Second Term in Cincinnati
In Ohio, Aftab Pureval, the Indian-origin Mayor of Cincinnati, secured a second term. His win was particularly notable as he defeated Republican candidate Cory Bowman, who is the half-brother of US Vice President J.D. Vance. Pureval, who has Tibetan and Punjabi roots, made history in 2021 when he became the city’s first Asian American mayor. His steady political career began in 2015, and he continues to grow his influence.
The Bigger Picture: Community Impact
These victories show the increasing political power of the South Asian and Indian American communities. As the Indian American Impact organization stated, it “takes immense courage to run for office.” These leaders have stepped up to represent their communities and are actively working to build a better future across the country.
Other Indian-American Candidates
While Mamdani, Hashmi, and Pureval were the big winners, several other Indian-American and South Asian candidates also ran for office in cities and states like North Carolina and New Jersey. For instance, Satish Garimella ran for Mayor of Morrisville, North Carolina, and Dini Ajmani ran for Mayor of Hoboken, New Jersey, though their races did not result in wins at the time of reporting.
Zohran Mamdani: Making History in New York City
Zohran Mamdani is the new Mayor of New York City, a major victory that makes him the city’s first Muslim, first South Asian, and first African-born leader to hold the top office. At just 34, he is also one of the youngest mayors in over a century. Before becoming Mayor, Mamdani served in the New York State Assembly representing Astoria, Queens. His campaign, built on progressive ideals, focused heavily on fighting the city’s cost-of-living crisis through policies like rent freezes, affordable housing expansion, and even city-run grocery stores to lower food prices for working-class New Yorkers.
Ghazala Hashmi: A Rise in Virginia Politics
Ghazala Hashmi won the race for Virginia Lieutenant Governor (LG), becoming the state’s first Indian-American and first Muslim elected to a statewide office. Born in Hyderabad, India, she moved to the US as a child and spent nearly 30 years as a respected professor and educator in Virginia. Her political career took off in 2019 when she won an upset victory for a seat in the Virginia State Senate, flipping it from Republican control. Her work in the Senate focused on core Democratic priorities like reproductive rights and public education, leading to her being named Chair of the Senate Education and Health Committee shortly before her LG win.
Aftab Pureval: A Second Term in Cincinnati
Aftab Pureval, whose mother is a Tibetan refugee and father is Punjabi, secured a second term as Mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio. He first made history in 2021 as the city’s first Asian American mayor. Pureval is a lawyer by profession, and his political journey started in 2015 when he was elected Hamilton County Clerk of Courts. As Mayor, his administration has prioritized equitable economic growth, public safety reforms, and an environmental plan. His early successes include establishing the city’s first-ever annual commitment to an affordable housing trust fund.
