Who Is Suhas Subramanyam? Indian-American Wins A Democratic Primary

The "Samosa Caucus"—a group of Indian-Americans in US Congress—has a high chance of acquiring another member next year following the victory of Suhas Subramanyam in the Virginia Democratic primaries. Subramanyam, an Indian-American politician, has been dominating headlines, after winning the Democratic primary for a Congressional seat in Virginia. Competing against 11 other contenders, including fellow Indian-American Krystle Kaul, Subramanyam's victory positions him as a strong candidate for the US House of Representatives from Virginia's 10th Congressional District, a region with a notable Indian-American demographic. His journey from being the first Indian-American elected to the Virginia General Assembly to his current quest for a Congressional seat showcases his dedication, vision for public service and mindset for an inclusive America.

Early Life and Background

Born in Houston, Texas, Suhas Subramanyam is the son of immigrants from Bengaluru and Chennai. His parents moved to the United States in search of better opportunities, carrying the quintessential American dream through hard work and education. Subramanyam holds a law degree and has a robust background in technology policy. In 2015, he was appointed by former President Barack Obama as a White House technology policy advisor, which allowed him to influence key policy decisions and gain invaluable experience in the domains of governance and public administration.

Political Career

Virginia General Assembly and State Senate

Subramanyam made history in 2019 as the first Indian-American, South Asian, and Hindu elected to the Virginia General Assembly. His term was defined by progressive initiatives and inclusive governance. In 2023, he continued his political career by being elected to the Virginia State Senate, where he will prioritise economic empowerment, education, and technology.

Congressional Campaign

Subramanyam's campaign for the US House of Representatives stresses his aim to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve the American dream. He believes in economic empowerment through education and strives to establish a society in which everyone has equal opportunity for achievement. Endorsed by Democratic Congresswoman Jennifer Waxton, his campaign has been strengthened by his loyalty to proactive governance and inclusive policy. Over the span of eight months, his campaign knocked on 50,000 doors and raised $1.2 million. 

In his victory statement, Subramanyam expressed deep gratitude to his supporters and vowed to continue the legacy of his predecessor, Wexton. “This district will remain blue, and I will do everything in my power to make my constituents proud,” he asserted, promising to tackle pressing issues and improve the community’s welfare.

Meanwhile, in New Jersey's primaries last week, Indian-American Rajesh Mohan won the Republican ticket for a House seat, but he has an uphill battle because the district is mostly Democratic.

There are now five Indian-Americans in the House of Representatives, all Democrats known as the "Samosa Caucus": Ami Bera and Ro Khanna from California, Pramila Jayapal from Washington State, Raja Krishnamoorthi from Illinois, and Shri Thanedar from Michigan. He was supported by leaving House member Jennifer Wexton, who swung the district to the Democrats in 2018 and was re-elected twice, garnering 53% of the vote in 2022, making it a safe position for the party.

Vision and Policies

Facing Republican nominee Mike Clancy, Subramanyam's campaign will need to address a wide array of issues pertinent to the constituents of Virginia’s 10th District. Subramanyam envisions a future where every individual can realize their potential, irrespective of their background. As a parent of two young daughters, he is particularly motivated to create a better world for future generations. His policies focus on:

Education: Subramanyam believes that education is the cornerstone of economic empowerment. He advocates for policies that provide equal educational opportunities, ensuring that every child can access quality education and build a prosperous future.

Technology and Innovation: With a background in technology policy, Subramanyam understands the transformative power of innovation and he supports initiatives that promote technological advancements and ensure that the benefits of technology are equitably distributed across society.

Economic Opportunity: Subramanyam's vision of the American dream includes building a thriving economy where everyone can contribute and succeed, and he supports policies that promote small businesses, create jobs, and ensure fair wages for all workers.