Indian-American candidates in US midterms: Key races, latest polling & what's at stake

The 2026 US midterm elections are shaping up to be a significant test of Indian-American political representation.Four Indian-origin Democrats — Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, Ami Bera and Suhas Subramanyam — are seeking re-election to the House of Representatives. Meanwhile, Vivek Ramaswamy is locked in a high-octane race for governor of Ohio, and physician-turned-politician Amish Shah is attempting to capture an open Arizona congressional seat.Read also | US midterm elections 2026: Why it's a do-or-die fight for Trump & the Democracts - explained in 10 chartsThe contests extend beyond Congress.

Indian-American candidates are competing for attorney-general positions, mayoralties and seats in state legislatures across the country.The elections on November 3 will take place against the backdrop of a closely divided Congress and a national debate over the economy, immigration, healthcare, technology and Trump's policies. The outcomes could determine not only which party controls Capitol Hill but also how much influence Indian-American lawmakers exercise in Washington and state governments.Indian-Americans in key congressional races1.

Ro KhannaRo Khanna, one of the most prominent Indian-American Democrats in Congress at the moment, is seeking a sixth term from California’s 17th Congressional District, which covers much of Silicon Valley, including parts of Santa Clara and Alameda counties. He faces Republican Ritesh Tandon in the midterms, after comfortably finishing first in California’s June 2 nonpartisan primary with 62.3% of the vote.

Tandon advanced with 14.8%.The district, home to major technology companies and a large population of technology workers, has consistently favoured Democrats.First elected to the House in 2016, Khanna has established himself as a progressive voice on economic policy, technology, foreign affairs and the role of American power overseas.Born in Philadelphia to Indian immigrant parents, he studied economics at the University of Chicago and earned a law degree from Yale University.

Before entering Congress, he taught economics at Stanford University, practised law and served as deputy assistant secretary of commerce under President Barack Obama.He now sits on the House Armed Services Committee and has been an influential voice on issues ranging from artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing to US competition with China.Read also | US midterms 2026: Meet Ro Khanna, Indian-American Congressman behind Epstein files pushKhanna has been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, particularly over his economic policies, immigration crackdown and approach to democratic institutions.

He has challenged the administration’s priorities on taxation and economic inequality, arguing that government policy should benefit working families rather than disproportionately favour wealthy individuals and corporations. His opposition to Trump also extends to the president’s use of executive power and his approach to foreign policy, where Khanna has advocated greater congressional oversight of military action and a stronger emphasis on diplomacy.At the same time, Khanna has sought to distinguish himself from the Democratic establishment by championing a more populist economic agenda, including investment in manufacturing, clean energy, education and healthcare.His views on technology, economic inequality and America’s global role frequently place him at the centre of the party’s policy debate.2.

Pramila JayapalPramila Jayapal is seeking re-election from Washington’s 7th Congressional District, which includes much of Seattle and surrounding communities. She faces Republican Nirav Sheth in the midterms after dominating the state’s nonpartisan primary, securing 84.4% of the vote against Sheth’s 9.8%.The result underlined her strong standing in a heavily Democratic district, where she has built a substantial political base through her advocacy on immigration, healthcare and economic inequality.Elected to Congress in 2016, Jayapal made history as the first South Asian American woman elected to the House of Representatives.Born in India, she moved to the United States at 16 to attend Georgetown University and later earned an MBA from Northwestern University.

Before entering electoral politics, she founded OneAmerica, a Washington-based immigrant-rights organisation, and became a prominent campaigner for immigration reform and civil liberties. Her experience as an activist has shaped her legislative priorities, particularly on deportations, detention, family separation and pathways to legal status.Jayapal has championed Medicare for All, stronger labour protections, affordable housing, climate action and expanded access to education.

She has also held leadership positions in the Congressional Progressive Caucus and serves on the House Judiciary, Foreign Affairs and Budget committees, giving her influence over debates on immigration enforcement, federal spending and American foreign policy.Read also | US midterms 2026: From immigration reform to $15 minimum wage, all about Pramila JayapalA vocal critic of President Donald Trump, Jayapal has repeatedly challenged his administration’s immigration crackdown, deportation policies and restrictions on legal immigration.

She has argued that the administration’s approach threatens civil liberties and undermines protections for immigrant communities. Her opposition also extends to Trump’s economic agenda and broader use of executive power, with Jayapal advocating stronger social protections and greater accountability for the administration.Her politics frequently put her to the left of the Democratic leadership, although she has worked within the party to advance progressive priorities.3.

Ami BeraAmi Bera, one of the longest-serving Indian-American members of Congress, is seeking another term in California’s 3rd Congressional District, which covers Sacramento County and surrounding communities. He faces Republican Robb Tucker in the Novemb…