US Elections 2024: How ‘Samosa Caucus’ Performed As Trump Makes To White House

US Election Results 2024: Following the results of Tuesday's presidential election, the informal grouping of Indian-origin Americans in Congress "Samosa Caucus" in the US House of Representatives has expanded its ranks to six members. 

This group, consisting of Indian-American leaders, could grow to seven if Democratic candidate Amish Shah, who is currently leading in Arizona's District 1, secures a narrow victory in a still-tight contest. The "Samosa Caucus" – a term coined by Illinois Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi in 2018 – is a vibrant and growing political force in Congress, reflecting the increasing influence of the Indian-American community in U.S. politics.

The name "Samosa Caucus" refers to the popular Indian snack and symbolizes the members' shared heritage, while also offering a lighthearted nod to the diverse cultural contributions Indian-Americans have made to American life. 

The Indian-Americans Leading in Congress

Suhas Subramanyam

Virginia’s 10th Congressional District will now be represented by Suhas Subramanyam, making him the first Indian-American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia. Previously a State Senator and delegate, Subramanyam is also the first practicing Hindu and South Asian elected from the region. An attorney born to immigrant parents from Bengaluru, Subramanyam has a distinguished background, having worked as a White House advisor on technology policy during the Obama administration.

Ami Bera

Serving as the senior-most Indian-American in Congress, Ami Bera has represented California's 6th District since 2013 and was re-elected to his seventh term this week. A trained physician, Bera has been an advocate for healthcare reform, pushing for affordable prescription drugs and expanding mental health services. He also works on strengthening U.S.-India relations as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Shri Thanedar

Michigan’s 13th District will continue to be represented by Shri Thanedar, who was re-elected in 2023. Born in Belagavi, Karnataka, Thanedar's path to politics has been unconventional. A successful businessman who sold his chemical company for $20 million in 2016, Thanedar previously ran for Michigan governor. A political outsider, his brash and combative style has drawn comparisons to former President Donald Trump , as both have been noted for their refusal to back down from criticism.

Pramila Jayapal

Pramila Jayapal, the first South Asian woman to serve in the U.S. House, was re-elected to represent Washington’s 7th District. A tireless advocate for progressive causes such as Medicare for All, immigration reform, and climate change, Jayapal chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Born to a Malayali family in Chennai, India, she has been a champion of civil rights and the rights of marginalized communities, including her work supporting anti-caste legislation in Seattle.

Ro Khanna

Representing California’s 17th District since 2017, Ro Khanna is a leading voice for innovation, particularly in technology and rural job creation. Known as a "progressive capitalist," Khanna advocates for economic patriotism, urging consumers to support American-made products. Khanna, born to Punjabi parents in Pennsylvania, has served on both the House Armed Services and Agriculture Committees.

Raja Krishnamoorthi

A stalwart of the Indian-American presence in Congress, Raja Krishnamoorthi has served Illinois’s 8th District since 2017. As a member of the House Intelligence and Oversight Committees, Krishnamoorthi focuses on national security and the growing U.S.-China competition. Born in India and raised in Peoria, Illinois, Krishnamoorthi holds degrees in engineering from Princeton University and law from Harvard.

Amish Shah

Democratic candidate Amish Shah, currently leading in Arizona’s 1st District, may soon join the ranks of the Samosa Caucus. A physician with a background in public health, Shah has previously served in the Arizona State Assembly and continues to work as an emergency room doctor. Born to Indian immigrant parents in Chicago, Shah has a long history of advocating for healthcare access and reform.