Two Indian Americans, including first turban-wearing Sikh Legislator, win in Virginia
PTC Web Desk: In a significant achievement for representation, two Indian Americans, Kannan Srinivasan and JJ Singh, secured victories in Virginia's special legislative elections on Wednesday. Their wins not only strengthen the Democratic Party's narrow majority in the state but also mark a historic milestone as JJ Singh becomes the first U.S. legislator likely to wear a turban.
Kannan Srinivasan was elected to the State Senate, filling the seat vacated by Suhas Subramanyam, who transitioned to Congress last November. JJ Singh succeeded Srinivasan in the State House of Delegates, solidifying Indian American representation in Virginia's legislature.
Singh, a Virginia native, brings a trailblazing legacy to the State House. As a Sikh, his turban symbolises the increasing diversity in US politics. Singh has an impressive resume, having served in the White House Office of Management and Budget under Barack Obama, as a senior advisor in the US Senate, and as a Peace Corps volunteer in Bolivia.
Srinivasan, originally from Tamil Nadu, was a chartered accountant in India before moving to the US, where he built a three-decade-long career in business and finance. He previously served in the Virginia House of Delegates after his election in 2023. In the Senate, he joins another Indian American, Hyderabad-born Ghazala Hashmi.
The elections were fiercely contested, with Singh defeating Republican candidate Ram Venkatachalam, another Indian American. The Democratic Party heavily invested in these races to maintain its one-seat majority in both the State Senate and the House of Delegates, ensuring a check on the Republican governor's agenda.
These wins come amid a challenging political climate for Democrats, who are countering a Republican resurgence led by Donald Trump. Despite Virginia voting for Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, concerns linger about Republican momentum in upcoming races. Harris stepped into the Democratic leadership role after Joe Biden withdrew from contention due to health concerns.
- With inputs from agencies
