Indian-origin candidates make their mark in 2026 US midterm elections; Three democrats win

Mangalore Today News Network

US, Nov 4, 2026: Indian-origin politicians have made their mark in the 2026 US midterm elections, with Democrats Suhas Subramanyam and Aruna Miller securing fresh terms in their respective offices, while Pia Dandiya has won a closely contested congressional race in Florida.

Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, meanwhile, was trailing Democratic rival Amy Acton in the Ohio gubernatorial contest as early results emerged.

The victories have added to the representation of Indian-Americans in US political institutions, with Dandiya’s election marking a milestone for the community in Florida.

The November 3 elections are being held midway through President Donald Trump’s second term and will determine the balance of power in Congress, alongside several state and local offices.

Suhas Subramanyam
Wins Second Term In US House

Indian-origin Democrat Suhas Subramanyam has won re-election to the US House of Representatives from Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, defeating Republican challenger Dave Beckwith.

Subramanyam secured 63.16% of the votes, polling 1,73,106 ballots against Beckwith’s 94,990 votes, or 34.66%. Independent candidate Ahsen Mujeeb Malik finished third with 1.99% of the vote.

Following his victory, Subramanyam shared a message on social media, thanking his supporters and outlining his priorities for the next term.

“The campaign is over, but the work is just beginning. I look forward to working with our community to deliver change in Washington," he said.

Born in the United States to Indian parents, Subramanyam previously served as a policy aide on Capitol Hill, where he worked on healthcare access, immigration reform and legislation concerning employment opportunities and funding for veterans, senior citizens and working families.

He subsequently earned a law degree with honours from Northwestern University and joined the White House as a technology policy adviser under former President Barack Obama.

After his stint in the administration, he established a small business in Loudoun County, Virginia, and also volunteered as an emergency medical technician and firefighter.

Subramanyam entered electoral politics in 2019 after winning a seat in the Virginia General Assembly.

He served two terms before becoming a member of the Virginia State Senate. He was first elected to the US House in 2024, becoming the first Indian-American to represent Virginia’s 10th Congressional District.

Aruna Miller
Retains Maryland Lieutenant Governor Post

Indian-origin Democrat Aruna Miller has secured another term as Maryland’s Lieutenant Governor after NBC News projected a victory for the Democratic ticket led by Governor Wes Moore.

Miller contested alongside Moore, who won re-election against the Republican ticket featuring former state delegate Dan Cox and his running mate Rob Krop.

Her victory extends her tenure as Maryland’s second-highest elected official. Miller made history in 2022 by becoming the first South Asian woman elected lieutenant governor in the United States.

During her tenure, Miller has worked alongside Moore on initiatives involving public safety, mental health services and support for small businesses.

A post congratulating her re-election highlighted the administration’s claims of a 44% decline in homicides and a 40% reduction in non-fatal shootings, along with efforts to improve access to mental healthcare and ease regulatory requirements for small businesses.

Born in Andhra Pradesh, India, Miller immigrated to the United States with her family when she was seven years old. Before entering politics, she worked as a civil and transportation engineer in Montgomery County, Maryland.

Pia Dandiya
Wins Florida Congressional Race

Indian-origin Democrat Pia Dandiya has won Florida’s 22nd Congressional District race, defeating Republican challenger Casey Askar, according to projections by CBS News and Decision Desk HQ.

Dandiya’s election is a milestone for the Indian-American community, as she becomes the first Indian-American to be elected to the US House of Representatives from Florida. She is also the 10th Indian-American elected to the US Congress, according to reports.

Born and raised in Palm Beach County to Indian immigrant parents, Dandiya previously worked as a teacher and high school principal in Harlem. She also served as a White House Fellow and later worked at Apple.

She contested from a newly redrawn South Florida constituency, with education, affordability and economic opportunity featuring prominently in her campaign.

Her victory adds another Indian-origin Democrat to the US House of Representatives.

Vivek Ramaswamy Trails Amy Acton In Ohio Governor Race

Meanwhile, Indian-origin Republican Vivek Ramaswamy was trailing Democratic candidate Amy Acton in the Ohio gubernatorial election, according to early results reported by NBC News.

Acton had secured approximately 63% of the votes against Ramaswamy’s 34%, with around 25% of the expected vote counted. Approximately 1.2 million ballots had been recorded at that stage, although the network said it was too early to call the contest.

Ramaswamy, a biotechnology entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate backed by Trump, is seeking to succeed term-limited Republican Governor Mike DeWine.

Acton, a physician and former director of the Ohio Department of Health, emerged as the Democratic nominee in a contest that has attracted considerable national attention.

The November 3 midterm elections will decide the composition of the 435-member US House of Representatives and 35 Senate seats, along with governorships, state legislative positions and local offices.