Top 10 Indian‑Origin U.S. Politicians (2025)

1. Kamala Harris – Vice President of the United States

Kamala Harris holds the distinction of being the highest-ranking Indian-origin public official in U.S. history. Before assuming the Vice Presidency in 2021, she served as California’s Attorney General and later as U.S. Senator.

2. Nikki Haley – Former U.N. Ambassador & South Carolina Governor

Nikki Haley made history as the first Indian-American to serve as Governor of South Carolina and later as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. In 2024, she emerged as a prominent Republican contender for the presidency.

3. Zohran Mamdani – NYC Mayoral Nominee & New York State Assembly member

A progressive voice in New York politics, Mamdani won the Democratic primary for New York City mayor in 2025, making him the first Indian-American to receive a major party nomination for that office.

4. Pramila Jayapal – U.S. Representative (Washington’s 7th District)

Since entering Congress in 2017, Jayapal has championed progressive policies and broke ground as the first Indian-American woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. She recently completed her term as chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

5. Raja Krishnamoorthi – U.S. Representative (Illinois’s 8th District)

Krishnamoorthi is a senior member of Congress and made history as the first Indian-American to serve as the ranking member of a full House committee. He continues to be a key figure in legislative oversight and economic policy.

6. Suhas Subramanyam – U.S. Representative (Virginia’s 10th District)

Elected in 2024 and sworn in 2025, Subramanyam became the first South Asian American to represent Virginia in Congress. His background includes prior service in both houses of the Virginia legislature.

7. Shri Thanedar – U.S. Representative (Michigan’s 13th District)

A former entrepreneur, Thanedar was elected to Congress in 2022. He brings both business and scientific expertise to his role representing Detroit and surrounding communities.

8. Ghazala Hashmi – Democratic Nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia

Hashmi recently secured the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor of Virginia, positioning herself to become the state’s first Indian-American and Muslim statewide officeholder.

9. Bobby Jindal – Former Governor of Louisiana

Bobby Jindal served as the Governor of Louisiana from 2008 to 2016, becoming the first Indian-American to hold such a position. He also previously served in Congress and ran for president in 2016.

10. Aruna Miller – Lieutenant Governor of Maryland

Elected in 2022, Miller is one of the highest-ranking Indian-origin women in state government. As Maryland’s lieutenant governor, she plays a key role in shaping state-level policy and diversity leadership.

📌 Emerging Leaders & Community Highlights

Other Indian-American members of the U.S. House, sometimes called the “Samosa Caucus,” include Ami Bera (CA-6), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Pramila Jayapal, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Shri Thanedar, and Suhas Subramanyam—a record total for the 2024–2025 congressional session.

Entrepreneur and 2024 Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, though not currently in office, helped expand the visibility and voice of Indian-origin Americans in national politics.

📊 At-a-Glance Summary