Indian-Americans Make Their Mark in 2026 US Midterms; Pia Dandiya, Suhas Subramanyam Score Key Wins

Indian-American candidates have recorded notable victories in the 2026 US midterm elections, with Democrat Pia Dandiya winning Florida’s 22nd Congressional District and Suhas Subramanyam securing re-election in Virginia. Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller has also been projected to retain her post, while several other Indian-American candidates remained in closely watched contests as vote counting continued.

The results have been mixed for Indian-American candidates across party lines. Republican Vivek Ramaswamy lost the Ohio gubernatorial race to Democrat Amy Acton, while other contests involving Indian-American candidates were still awaiting final projections.

The election has brought Indian-origin candidates into focus across congressional, gubernatorial and state legislative races, reflecting their growing presence in American public life.

Pia Dandiya Wins Florida Congressional Seat

Dandiya, a former school principal whose parents immigrated from India, defeated Republican Casey Askar in Florida’s 22nd Congressional District. She secured approximately 51.9% of the vote, according to reported results, and will become another Indian-American woman in the US House of Representatives.

In Virginia, Democratic Congressman Suhas Subramanyam won re-election from the 10th Congressional District, defeating Republican Dave Beckwith. Subramanyam, who first entered Congress in 2024, is set to serve another term.

In Maryland, Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller was projected to secure another four-year term after Governor Wes Moore won re-election.

Amish Shah Leads in Arizona Race

In Arizona, Indian-American physician and former state lawmaker Amish Shah was reported to be leading Republican Jay Feely in the 1st Congressional District.

The figures cited in the supplied election update put Shah at 54.9% against Feely’s 43.2%, with approximately 76% of expected votes counted. The contest had not been called, and the lead should not be treated as a confirmed victory.

The district includes Scottsdale and parts of the Phoenix metropolitan area. A win would bring another Indian-American Democrat to Congress.

Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal and Ami Bera in Focus

Several prominent Indian-American Democratic lawmakers were also seeking re-election.

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal was contesting Washington state’s 7th Congressional District against Republican Nirav Sheth, while California Congressman Ro Khanna was seeking another term in the 17th District against Republican Ritesh Tandon.

Fellow California Democrat Ami Bera was also in the race in the newly redrawn 3rd Congressional District. The supplied figures showed Bera leading Republican Robb Tucker by around 60% to 40%, but the contest remained uncalled.

Vivek Ramaswamy Loses Ohio Governor's Race

One of the most prominent defeats involving an Indian-American candidate came in Ohio, where Democrat Amy Acton defeated Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in the gubernatorial election.

Acton’s victory was projected by major US media organisations, ending the Republican Party’s hold on the governor’s office. Ramaswamy had received President Donald Trump’s backing during the campaign.

In New York, Republican Saritha Komatireddy, a former federal prosecutor, was also reported to have lost the attorney general’s election to Democratic incumbent Letitia James. The supplied results put James at approximately 62%.

Other Indian-American candidates reported to have lost their contests included Republican Mahesh Ganorkar in North Carolina, independent Sandeep Dixit in Ohio and independent Anil Kumar in Michigan.

Indian-American Candidates in State Legislative Races

Indian-American candidates also featured in state legislative contests.

Democrat Arvind Venkat won re-election in Pennsylvania’s House District 30, while Ram Villivalam retained Illinois Senate District 8.

In Illinois Senate District 26, Democrat Nabeela Syed was reported to be leading Republican incumbent Darby Hills by approximately 57% to 43%, with more than 95% of estimated votes counted. The race remained uncalled.

In Georgia, Democrat Jyot Singh was reported to be leading Republican Yassin Moghazy in House District 97 by approximately 68% to 32%.

In Texas, Democrat Pooja Sethi also declared victory in House District 47.

The November 3 midterm elections determine all 435 seats in the US House of Representatives, 35 Senate seats, governorships and numerous state legislative positions. The results will shape the balance of power in Washington during the remaining two years of Trump's second term.