Six Indian Americans have won in the recent elections for the United States House of Representatives. As a result, the informal ‘Samosa Caucus’, a group of Indian-origin members in Congress, has now expanded to six representatives in the House.

Six Indian Americans have won in the recent elections for the United States House of Representatives. As a result, the informal ‘Samosa Caucus’, a group of Indian-origin members in Congress, has now expanded to six representatives in the House. Before this, the caucus comprised of five Indian American members: Ami Bera, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, Jeremy Cooney, and Shri Thanedar. Suhas Subramanyam Virginia State Senator Suhas Subramanyam won against Republican Mike Clancy. Subramanyam, who once served as a White House adviser under President Barack Obama, shared his gratitude, stating, "I am honoured and humbled that the people of Virginia's 10th District put their trust in me to take on the toughest fights and deliver results in Congress. This district is my home. I got married here, my wife Miranda and I are raising our daughters here, and the issues our community faces are personal to our family. It is an honour to continue serving this district in Washington." Also read: India's Modi joins world leaders to congratulate Trump on his win in US polls Shri Thanedar Congressman Shri Thanedar retained his seat in Michigan's 13th Congressional District, winning against Republican Martell Bivings with a lead of more than 35 percentage points. Thanedar, now serving his second term, attributed his success to his commitment to constituent services, advocacy for working families, and support for unions and reproductive rights. Ro Khanna Democratic Representative Ro Khanna retained his seat in California’s 17th Congressional District, overcoming Republican challenger Anita Chen. Khanna, first elected in 2016, represents a firmly Democratic district in Silicon Valley. Pramila Jayapal Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal was re-elected to serve Washington's 7th Congressional District, marking her fifth term. Jayapal, originally elected in 2016, has represented this area, which includes Seattle and surrounding regions, for nearly a decade. A former state senator, she made history as the first South Asian American woman in the U.S. House and is currently the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Ami Bera Congressman Ami Bera won his election in California’s 6th Congressional District, which includes Sacramento County. Serving since 2013, Bera, a first-generation American and doctor, has prioritised affordable healthcare. He is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific within the House Foreign Affairs Committee and serves on the House Intelligence Committee. Raja Krishnamoorthi Raja Krishnamoorthi was re-elected to represent Illinois’ 8th District for a fifth term. First elected in 2016, Krishnamoorthi is a senior Democratic member on the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. A Harvard-trained lawyer, Krishnamoorthi has previously held state roles, including deputy state treasurer. Jeremy Cooney Democrat Jeremy Cooney won re-election in New York’s 56th State Senate District. The Associated Press confirmed his victory on Tuesday evening. Cooney, first elected in 2020, has chaired the Transportation Committee since 2024 and is a key member of the Monroe County Democratic Committee. (With inputs from agencies)

'Samosa Caucus' expands: Six Indian Americans elected to US House of Representatives

A 49-year-old man in the US state of Washington was sentenced to 364 days in jail after he pleaded guilty to stalking prominent Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, a media report said.

Brett Forsell pleaded to misdemeanour stalking in Seattle's King County Superior Court on Thursday rather than the felony charge prosecutors originally filed against him, The Seattle Times reported on Saturday.

Seattle police arrested Forsell, armed with a handgun, outside Jayapal's house a year ago and jailed him on suspicion of committing a hate crime.

He was released four days later because police couldn't say with certainty that he told the Congresswoman to go back to India or that he had threatened to kill her.

King County prosecutors later charged Forsell with repeatedly harassing and intimidating Jayapal, who feared the man wanted to hurt or kill her. 
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Jayapal, 57, represents Washington's 7th Congressional District and became the first Indian-American woman elected to the US House of Representatives in 2016.

She was born in Chennai city of India and moved to the US at 16.

Democrat Jayapal heads the party's congressional liberals as chairperson of the House Progressive Caucus.

Forsell was arrested with a loaded .40-caliber handgun holstered on his waist.

Neighbours also reported hearing Forsell's verbal attack and saw him try to erect a tent across the street from Jayapal's house.

While in custody, camera footage recorded Forsell saying he was going to keep coming back to Jayapal's house until she "goes back to India", according to prosecutors.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: UK woman claims her 'ghost' husband is stalking her

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According to charging papers, Jayapal told detectives Forsell's behaviour scared her because it was reminiscent of the anger and vitriol she experienced on January 6, 2021, when insurgents attacked the US Capitol in a failed attempt to stop the certification of President Joe Biden's election.

During his arraignment last year, he pled "not guilty" to charges of felony stalking.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stalkers-protected-us-supreme-court-makes-it-more-difficult-to-prosecute-someone-making-threats-609745">Also read:&nbsp;‘Stalkers protected,’ US Supreme Court makes it more difficult to prosecute someone making threats</a>

Forsell has since been ordered to have no contact with Jayapal and prohibited from possessing firearms for eight years, among other stipulations.

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A 49-year-old man in the US state of Washington was sentenced to 364 days in jail after he pleaded guilty to stalking prominent Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, a media report said.

A 49-year-old man in the US state of Washington was sentenced to 364 days in jail after he pleaded guilty to stalking prominent Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, a media report said. Brett Forsell pleaded to misdemeanour stalking in Seattle's King County Superior Court on Thursday rather than the felony charge prosecutors originally filed against him, The Seattle Times reported on Saturday. Seattle police arrested Forsell, armed with a handgun, outside Jayapal's house a year ago and jailed him on suspicion of committing a hate crime. He was released four days later because police couldn't say with certainty that he told the Congresswoman to go back to India or that he had threatened to kill her. King County prosecutors later charged Forsell with repeatedly harassing and intimidating Jayapal, who feared the man wanted to hurt or kill her. Powered By Jayapal, 57, represents Washington's 7th Congressional District and became the first Indian-American woman elected to the US House of Representatives in 2016. She was born in Chennai city of India and moved to the US at 16. Democrat Jayapal heads the party's congressional liberals as chairperson of the House Progressive Caucus. Forsell was arrested with a loaded .40-caliber handgun holstered on his waist. Neighbours also reported hearing Forsell's verbal attack and saw him try to erect a tent across the street from Jayapal's house. While in custody, camera footage recorded Forsell saying he was going to keep coming back to Jayapal's house until she "goes back to India", according to prosecutors. Watch: Gravitas: UK woman claims her 'ghost' husband is stalking her × According to charging papers, Jayapal told detectives Forsell's behaviour scared her because it was reminiscent of the anger and vitriol she experienced on January 6, 2021, when insurgents attacked the US Capitol in a failed attempt to stop the certification of President Joe Biden's election. During his arraignment last year, he pled "not guilty" to charges of felony stalking. Also read: ‘Stalkers protected,’ US Supreme Court makes it more difficult to prosecute someone making threats Forsell has since been ordered to have no contact with Jayapal and prohibited from possessing firearms for eight years, among other stipulations. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Stalker of Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal sentenced to 364 days in jail

The fortunes of Indian-American lawmakers from the ruling Democrat Party showed a remarkable upsurge during Wednesday's mid-term polls. A record five Indian-American lawmakers from the ruling Democrat Party, including Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal and Ami Bera have been elected to the US House of Representatives.

The fortunes of Indian-American lawmakers from the ruling Democrat Party showed a remarkable upsurge during Wednesday's mid-term polls. A record five Indian-American lawmakers from the ruling Democrat Party, including Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal and Ami Bera have been elected to the US House of Representatives. In an election that saw none of the much-expected 'Red Wave' but instead turning of the tide towards Republicans, several Indian-Americans were elected to state legislatures as well. Shri Thanedar Indian-American entrepreneur-turned-politician and Democrat Shri Thanedar became the first Indian-American to win the Congressional elections from Michigan, defeating Republican candidate Martell Bivings. We did it! With early returns showing us receiving 89.2% of the vote, I'm honored to be the next Representative in Congress for the 13th District! pic.twitter.com/0wkz1k1WN6 — Shri Thanedar (@ShriThanedar) November 9, 2022 × Thanedar, 67, will represent the third district in the Michigan House. Raja Krishnamoorthi In the eighth Congressional District of Illinois, Raja Krishnamoorthi, 49, was re-elected for the fourth consecutive term by a comfortable margin. He defeated his Republican opponent Chris Dargis. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Raja Krishnamoorthi (@congressmanraja) × Ro Khanna In Silicon Valley, Indian-American Ro Khanna, 46, defeated his compatriot Republican opponent Ritesh Tandon in the 17th Congressional District of California. This was Khanna's second consecutive win for the senate. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rep. Ro Khanna (@reprokhanna) × Pramila Jayapal Chennai-born Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, the only Indian-American woman lawmaker in the House of Representatives, defeated her GOP rival, Cliff Moon in the 7th Congressional District of Washington State. I am so grateful to the people of Washington's 7th Congressional District for sending me back to Congress. I promise to always fight for each and every one of you ❤ pic.twitter.com/ULqbRTd2tG — Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) November 9, 2022 × Ami Bera Bera, 57, is the longest-serving Indian-American in the Congress. He has been representing California’s 7th Congressional District since 2013. Bera has defeated Republican Tamika Hamilton. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rep. Ami Bera (@repbera) × Indian-American candidates won seats in state legislatures as well. Aruna Miller In Maryland, the Democrat Aruna Miller scripted history by becoming the first Indian-American politician to win the race of Lieutenant Governor. Miller, 58, a former delegate to the Maryland House, was on the Lieutenant Governor ticket along with Wes Moore — the Democratic Governor-elect. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aruna Miller (@arunamiller) × Indian-Americans comprise just one per cent of the total US population of 331 million. However, the large number of young Indian-American candidates reflects the remarkable political presence made by the community in the US. Indian-Americans who have made it to various state legislatures include Arvind Venkat, and Tarik Khan in Pennsylvania; Salman Bhojani and Suleman Lalani in Texas; Sam Singh and Ranjeev Puri in Michigan, Nabeela Syed, Megan Srinivas and Kavin Olickal in Illinois, Nabliah Islam and Farooq Mughal in Georgia; Kumar Bharve in Maryland, and Anita Samani in Ohio. WATCH | US Midterm Elections: Control of senate hangs in balance × K P George has been reelected to the Texas Fort Bend County Judge, Monica Singh to the Texas Harris County Judge and Ajay Raman has been elected as Oakland County Commissioner. There are several races where Indian Americans are involved in a tightly contested race and many of them could be declared winners. They are Padma Kuppa for the Michigan State Senate; Jeremy Cooney for the New York State Senate; Anna Thomas for the Pennsylvania State House; Juli Mathew for Fort Bend County Judge; Surendran Pattel for Fort Bend County Judge and Zohaib Qadri who is heading into a runoff for the Texas City Council. Counting is still on in four other races where Indian Americans are involved. They are Priya Sundareshan for the Arizona State Senate; Janani Ramachandran for the Oakland City Council; Sim Gill for Salt Lake County District Attorney and Manka Dhingra for Washington State Senate. The midterm elections will have a significant impact on the direction of the nation, as well as the fate of the person and the party in power in the White House. Currently, Democrats are in the majority due to the tie-breaking power of Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, who serves ex officio as the president of the Senate. The outcome will influence the playing field for the 2024 presidential campaign. The full results will also determine whether Republicans rally behind former US President Donald Trump or not. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian-Americans script history in US midterms with record wins, re-elections

People of Indian origin held marches in several cities of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-issues-travel-advisory-for-its-citizens-in-india-amid-anti-citizenship-act-protests-269837">United States</a> on Tuesday (local time) in support of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, which was enacted on December 12.

Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi condemns violence, urges anti-CAA protesters to introspect

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The demonstration was carried out in various cities of the US including Austin, Raleigh, and Seattle. 
 
It is important to note that Democrat Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, who has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government over the CAA, is contesting from Seattle. 
 
Demonstrators held placards along with Indian flags and were seen raising slogans in support of CAA including 'Stop the violence, Stop the hate. India is a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/why-india-is-conflicted-269552">secular state</a>'. A placard read: 'NRIs support CAA'. 
 
The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-amendment-act-indias-domestic-policy-russia-269792">Citizenship (Amendment) Bill</a> was passed by the Indian Parliament earlier this week and became an Act with Presidential assent on November 12. 
 
The legislation provides Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, who arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014. 
 
Since the enactment of the CAA, protests have erupted in various parts of India including its national capital.

People of Indian origin held marches in several cities of the United States on Tuesday (local time) in support of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, which was enacted on December 12.

People of Indian origin held marches in several cities of the United States on Tuesday (local time) in support of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, which was enacted on December 12. Watch: PM Modi condemns violence, urges anti-CAA protesters to introspect × The demonstration was carried out in various cities of the US including Austin, Raleigh, and Seattle. It is important to note that Democrat Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, who has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government over the CAA, is contesting from Seattle. Demonstrators held placards along with Indian flags and were seen raising slogans in support of CAA including 'Stop the violence, Stop the hate. India is a secular state'. A placard read: 'NRIs support CAA'. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed by the Indian Parliament earlier this week and became an Act with Presidential assent on November 12. The legislation provides Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, who arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014. Since the enactment of the CAA, protests have erupted in various parts of India including its national capital.

'India is a secular state': Indian diaspora rally for Citizenship Act in US

India cancelled their Foreign Minister S Jaishankar's meeting with Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. The Indian government said a foreign minister can't be forced to meet someone 'with agenda'. #WION #IndiaNews #SJaishankar

India irked by invite to Pramila Jayapal

US House of Representatives unveiled an ambitious proposal on Tuesday to move all Americans into the government's Medicare health insurance program, tapping into public frustration over the rising cost of healthcare that has become a key issue for the party as it seeks to gain control of Congress and the White House in 2020.

The bill, unveiled by Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal from Washington state, would transition the US healthcare system to a single-payer "Medicare for All" program funded by the government in two years. The legislation is the party's most high-profile and ambitious single-payer proposal in the new Congress and has more than 100 co-sponsors, many from the party's progressive flank.

It is unlikely to gain the support of any Republicans in the House or the Senate, who have derided single-payer healthcare as a socialist policy and oppose government interference in healthcare. It also remains unclear whether Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will bring the legislation up for a vote.

"Americans are literally dying because they can't afford insulin or they can't get the cancer treatment they need," Jayapal said on a call with reporters on Tuesday. "There are some things that should not be provided through the for-profit market."

Medicare currently serves about 60 million Americans who are age 65 or older, or disabled. Jayapal's legislation would eliminate the age threshold. The new Medicare would not require any beneficiaries to pay premiums or deductibles and would not charge patients co-pays or out-of-pocket costs after receiving care.

It does not include new or increased taxes or other additional revenues to pay for the healthcare overhaul. Jayapal said possible ways to pay for the bill include a tax on millionaires and billionaires, employer premiums and closing tax loopholes for the wealthy.

The idea of Medicare for All was first proposed by Independent Bernie Sanders in 2017 as a single-payer system that would largely replace private insurance. It gained traction among Democrats running for congressional office in 2018, and is now a central campaign issue for party members vying for the 2020 presidential nomination.

A Reuters/IPSOS poll in August found that 70 per cent of Americans supports some sort of single-payer system.

The health industry has opposed single-payer proposals, saying they would ultimately lead to less access to care. Critics include the American Hospital Association and America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), the health insurance industry's biggest trade group.

"This bill will hurt patients, consumers, and taxpayers: Americans will pay more, to wait longer, for worse care," AHIP said in a statement. "Let’s focus on real solutions that deliver real results, not a one-size-fits-all government system."

The House proposal unveiled on Tuesday would not eliminate private health insurance entirely, as it would allow patients to purchase supplemental coverage. Many Americans under the age of 65 rely on private insurance provided by their employer.

A single-payer system is variously understood as one in which the government pays for healthcare for more people or one where the governments own health services providers and manage all aspects of care, such as in the United Kingdom.

Several US Democratic lawmakers have introduced different versions of expanded Medicare, such as allowing people aged 50 and older to buy into the program.

The new House proposal would cover most aspects of patients' care, including primary care, hospital and outpatient services, prescription drugs, dental, vision, audiology, women's reproductive health services, maternity and newborn care.

US House of Representatives unveiled an ambitious proposal on Tuesday to move all Americans into the government's Medicare health insurance program, tapping into public frustration over the rising cost of healthcare that has become a key issue for the party as it seeks to gain control of Congress and the White House in 2020.

US House of Representatives unveiled an ambitious proposal on Tuesday to move all Americans into the government's Medicare health insurance program, tapping into public frustration over the rising cost of healthcare that has become a key issue for the party as it seeks to gain control of Congress and the White House in 2020. The bill, unveiled by Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal from Washington state, would transition the US healthcare system to a single-payer "Medicare for All" program funded by the government in two years. The legislation is the party's most high-profile and ambitious single-payer proposal in the new Congress and has more than 100 co-sponsors, many from the party's progressive flank. It is unlikely to gain the support of any Republicans in the House or the Senate, who have derided single-payer healthcare as a socialist policy and oppose government interference in healthcare. It also remains unclear whether Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will bring the legislation up for a vote. "Americans are literally dying because they can't afford insulin or they can't get the cancer treatment they need," Jayapal said on a call with reporters on Tuesday. "There are some things that should not be provided through the for-profit market." Medicare currently serves about 60 million Americans who are age 65 or older, or disabled. Jayapal's legislation would eliminate the age threshold. The new Medicare would not require any beneficiaries to pay premiums or deductibles and would not charge patients co-pays or out-of-pocket costs after receiving care. It does not include new or increased taxes or other additional revenues to pay for the healthcare overhaul. Jayapal said possible ways to pay for the bill include a tax on millionaires and billionaires, employer premiums and closing tax loopholes for the wealthy. The idea of Medicare for All was first proposed by Independent Bernie Sanders in 2017 as a single-payer system that would largely replace private insurance. It gained traction among Democrats running for congressional office in 2018, and is now a central campaign issue for party members vying for the 2020 presidential nomination. A Reuters/IPSOS poll in August found that 70 per cent of Americans supports some sort of single-payer system. The health industry has opposed single-payer proposals, saying they would ultimately lead to less access to care. Critics include the American Hospital Association and America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), the health insurance industry's biggest trade group. "This bill will hurt patients, consumers, and taxpayers: Americans will pay more, to wait longer, for worse care," AHIP said in a statement. "Let’s focus on real solutions that deliver real results, not a one-size-fits-all government system." The House proposal unveiled on Tuesday would not eliminate private health insurance entirely, as it would allow patients to purchase supplemental coverage. Many Americans under the age of 65 rely on private insurance provided by their employer. A single-payer system is variously understood as one in which the government pays for healthcare for more people or one where the governments own health services providers and manage all aspects of care, such as in the United Kingdom. Several US Democratic lawmakers have introduced different versions of expanded Medicare, such as allowing people aged 50 and older to buy into the program. The new House proposal would cover most aspects of patients' care, including primary care, hospital and outpatient services, prescription drugs, dental, vision, audiology, women's reproductive health services, maternity and newborn care.

US House Democrats introduce sweeping 'Medicare for All' bill

The so-called 'Samosa Caucus' - an informal group of the Indian-Americans in the US Congress - has failed to bolster its strength, though its all four incumbent members got re-elected to the House of Representatives in the crucial midterm elections.

Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna and Raja Krishnamoorthi all won in landslides, while Ami Bera, the longtime US representative in California's 7th Congressional District, won in a more closely-contested race.

In the Eighth Congressional District of Illinois, 45-year-old Krishnamoorthi was re-elected for the second term by a comfortable margin of more than 30 percentage points. He defeated his Indian American Republican opponent J D Diganvker.

Three-term lawmaker 53-year-old Bera was re-elected for a record fourth consecutive time from the Seventh Congressional District of California.&nbsp;

Unlike the previous three elections, Bera did not have to wait for weeks for recounting of votes. He defeated Andrew Grant of the Republican party by a small five per cent margin.

"It's been an honour serving the 7th Congressional District as your congressman and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve again," he said in a statement after responding to the news of his victory.

Bera added that the election was about the values held by Americans.

"If we are truly going to heal this country, we must start by rebuilding trust in government, working across party lines, and putting people before politics," he said, adding that "Whether it's protecting health care or improving Social Security and Medicare, the choices we make right now will directly impact future generations raised in Sacramento County.

In the Silicon Valley, Khanna, 42, defeated Ron Cohen of the Republican party with a massive 44 percentage point in the 17th Congressional District of California.&nbsp;

"Tonight was a great night for our campaign and for Democrats across the country. I'm grateful to the voters of #CA17 for giving me the opportunity to continue to represent you in Congress. This has been the honour of my life," Khanna said.

"With Democrats in control of the House, we will push for economic and foreign policy populism," he said.

Congresswoman Jayapal, the only Indian-American woman lawmaker in the House of Representatives, defeated her Republican rival Craig Keller by a massive 66 percentage points.

"The American people voted to put the Democrats back in control of the US House of Representatives. Now, we are primed to restore the balance of power between the branches of government and push back even more strongly against the Trump administration's deeply destructive policies," Jayapal, 53, said in her victory speech in Seattle.

None of the more than half a dozen new Indian-Americans candidates, many of whom caught national attention by giving a tough fight to their opponents and outraising them in the fundraisers, could make it to the House of Representatives, which is equivalent to Lok Sabha in the Indian parliament.

However, Indian-Americans picked up more seats in the State Assemblies. The community sent its member Ram Villivalam for the first time to the Illinois Senate and also elected a Muslim Indian-American Mujtaba Mohammed to the North Carolina State Senate.

For the first time, more than 100 Indian-Americans had entered the race in this mid-term elections, of which over 50 were on the ballot on Tuesday.

Among them, 12, including four incumbents, were running for the House and one for the Senate - a record in itself.

Indian-American of Tibetan descent Aftab Pureval, 35, lost to Republican incumbent Steve Chabot.

Former state department diplomat Sri Preston Kulkarni lost to his Republican incumbent Pete Olson from the 22nd Congressional District of Texas.

A five-time incumbent, Olson defeated his Indian-American Democratic challenger in the most heated 22nd Congressional District that the opposition had hoped to flip due to a large Asian-American population.

In the first Congressional District of Arkansas, Democratic Chintan Desai lost to Republican incumbent Rick Crawford, while Republican Harry Arora lost to incumbent Jim Himes in the Fourth Congressional District of Connecticut.

Successful entrepreneur Shiva Ayyadurai, who fought the Massachusetts Senate race as an independent, came a distant third. Democratic leader Elizabeth Warren registered a comprehensive win over her Republican rival Geoff Diehl to re-enter the US Senate.

Democratic Nima Kulkarni defeated Joshua Neubert from the GOP to make her maiden entry into the Kentucky Assembly from State District 40. A practising and recognised lawyer, she owns Indus Law Firm specialising in immigration, employment and business law.

Mujtaba Mohammed entered the North Carolina State Senate from the Senate District 38. A former staff attorney at the Council for Children's Rights and assistant public defender, Mohammed defeated Richard Rivette.

Republican Niraj Atani, 27, registered his third consecutive electoral victory from Ohio House 42nd District. He is the youngest Indian-American elected official in the US.&nbsp;

He is also the second Indian-American state elected official in Ohio history and the first Indian-American Republican.

Nationwide, the Democratic Party won more than the necessary 218 seats to reclaim control of the House, while the US Senate remains in Republican control.&nbsp;

The so-called 'Samosa Caucus' - an informal group of the Indian-Americans in the US Congress - has failed to bolster its strength, though its all four incumbent members got re-elected to the House of Representatives in the crucial midterm elections.

The so-called 'Samosa Caucus' - an informal group of the Indian-Americans in the US Congress - has failed to bolster its strength, though its all four incumbent members got re-elected to the House of Representatives in the crucial midterm elections. Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna and Raja Krishnamoorthi all won in landslides, while Ami Bera, the longtime US representative in California's 7th Congressional District, won in a more closely-contested race. In the Eighth Congressional District of Illinois, 45-year-old Krishnamoorthi was re-elected for the second term by a comfortable margin of more than 30 percentage points. He defeated his Indian American Republican opponent J D Diganvker. Three-term lawmaker 53-year-old Bera was re-elected for a record fourth consecutive time from the Seventh Congressional District of California. Unlike the previous three elections, Bera did not have to wait for weeks for recounting of votes. He defeated Andrew Grant of the Republican party by a small five per cent margin. "It's been an honour serving the 7th Congressional District as your congressman and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve again," he said in a statement after responding to the news of his victory. Bera added that the election was about the values held by Americans. "If we are truly going to heal this country, we must start by rebuilding trust in government, working across party lines, and putting people before politics," he said, adding that "Whether it's protecting health care or improving Social Security and Medicare, the choices we make right now will directly impact future generations raised in Sacramento County. In the Silicon Valley, Khanna, 42, defeated Ron Cohen of the Republican party with a massive 44 percentage point in the 17th Congressional District of California. "Tonight was a great night for our campaign and for Democrats across the country. I'm grateful to the voters of #CA17 for giving me the opportunity to continue to represent you in Congress. This has been the honour of my life," Khanna said. "With Democrats in control of the House, we will push for economic and foreign policy populism," he said. Congresswoman Jayapal, the only Indian-American woman lawmaker in the House of Representatives, defeated her Republican rival Craig Keller by a massive 66 percentage points. "The American people voted to put the Democrats back in control of the US House of Representatives. Now, we are primed to restore the balance of power between the branches of government and push back even more strongly against the Trump administration's deeply destructive policies," Jayapal, 53, said in her victory speech in Seattle. None of the more than half a dozen new Indian-Americans candidates, many of whom caught national attention by giving a tough fight to their opponents and outraising them in the fundraisers, could make it to the House of Representatives, which is equivalent to Lok Sabha in the Indian parliament. However, Indian-Americans picked up more seats in the State Assemblies. The community sent its member Ram Villivalam for the first time to the Illinois Senate and also elected a Muslim Indian-American Mujtaba Mohammed to the North Carolina State Senate. For the first time, more than 100 Indian-Americans had entered the race in this mid-term elections, of which over 50 were on the ballot on Tuesday. Among them, 12, including four incumbents, were running for the House and one for the Senate - a record in itself. Indian-American of Tibetan descent Aftab Pureval, 35, lost to Republican incumbent Steve Chabot. Former state department diplomat Sri Preston Kulkarni lost to his Republican incumbent Pete Olson from the 22nd Congressional District of Texas. A five-time incumbent, Olson defeated his Indian-American Democratic challenger in the most heated 22nd Congressional District that the opposition had hoped to flip due to a large Asian-American population. In the first Congressional District of Arkansas, Democratic Chintan Desai lost to Republican incumbent Rick Crawford, while Republican Harry Arora lost to incumbent Jim Himes in the Fourth Congressional District of Connecticut. Successful entrepreneur Shiva Ayyadurai, who fought the Massachusetts Senate race as an independent, came a distant third. Democratic leader Elizabeth Warren registered a comprehensive win over her Republican rival Geoff Diehl to re-enter the US Senate. Democratic Nima Kulkarni defeated Joshua Neubert from the GOP to make her maiden entry into the Kentucky Assembly from State District 40. A practising and recognised lawyer, she owns Indus Law Firm specialising in immigration, employment and business law. Mujtaba Mohammed entered the North Carolina State Senate from the Senate District 38. A former staff attorney at the Council for Children's Rights and assistant public defender, Mohammed defeated Richard Rivette. Republican Niraj Atani, 27, registered his third consecutive electoral victory from Ohio House 42nd District. He is the youngest Indian-American elected official in the US. He is also the second Indian-American state elected official in Ohio history and the first Indian-American Republican. Nationwide, the Democratic Party won more than the necessary 218 seats to reclaim control of the House, while the US Senate remains in Republican control.

Samosa Caucus, informal group of Indian-Americans fails to increase its strength in US Congress in midterm polls 

Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal has announced that she would skip President Donald Trump&#39;s State of the Union address, in protest against his policies and rhetoric against immigrants.

Jayapal, 52, joins more than half a dozen Democratic lawmakers, including the legendary Congressman John Lewis, who will give a miss to the January 30 event.

Other lawmakers who have announced to boycott the event include Frederica Wilson, Maxine Waters, and Earl Blumenauer.

&quot;I would not be attending the State of the Union this year. I join other distinguished members, including Rep. John Lewis, in refusing to dignify a president who has used the platform of the Oval Office to fan the flames of racism, sexism and hatred most recently with his vulgar condemnation of Haiti and other African countries,&quot; Jayapal said in a statement.

Jayapal said she disagrees with Trump&#39;s approach which is &quot;narrow and self-serving&quot;.

&quot;This president has consistently indicated that he has no interest in leading a unified country. He has gone out of his way to play to a small and shrinking base of voters by using language that diminishes and demeans vast swaths of people in our own country and around the world,&quot; Jayapal said.

&quot;His path is dangerous. His path is destructive. His path cannot be normalised. I will not normalise it. This is our own form of non-violent resistance,&quot; she said.

According to Jayapal, her constituents and people across the country are &quot;heartbroken, terrified and demoralized&quot;.

&quot;He does and says things that none of us, as parents, would condone for our children. He consistently uses language that is outright racist. He actively uses the highest office of the land to promote hatred as a political tool for his own benefit,&quot; said Jayapal.

&quot;As a brown immigrant female member of Congress, I feel the impact of these words personally, as well as collectively,&quot; she said.

Jayapal is the only Indian-American lawmaker to have announced boycotting Trump&#39;s State of the Union Address, which is a customary annual address of the US President to a joint session of the Congress.

Other Indian American Congressmen are Dr Ami Bera, Ro Khanna and Raja Krishnamoorthi. Senator Kamala Harris from California is of mixed African and American heritage.

Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal has announced that she would skip President Donald Trump's State of the Union address, in protest against his policies and rhetoric against immigrants

Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal has announced that she would skip President Donald Trump's State of the Union address, in protest against his policies and rhetoric against immigrants. Jayapal, 52, joins more than half a dozen Democratic lawmakers, including the legendary Congressman John Lewis, who will give a miss to the January 30 event. Other lawmakers who have announced to boycott the event include Frederica Wilson, Maxine Waters, and Earl Blumenauer. "I would not be attending the State of the Union this year. I join other distinguished members, including Rep. John Lewis, in refusing to dignify a president who has used the platform of the Oval Office to fan the flames of racism, sexism and hatred most recently with his vulgar condemnation of Haiti and other African countries," Jayapal said in a statement. Jayapal said she disagrees with Trump's approach which is "narrow and self-serving". "This president has consistently indicated that he has no interest in leading a unified country. He has gone out of his way to play to a small and shrinking base of voters by using language that diminishes and demeans vast swaths of people in our own country and around the world," Jayapal said. "His path is dangerous. His path is destructive. His path cannot be normalised. I will not normalise it. This is our own form of non-violent resistance," she said. According to Jayapal, her constituents and people across the country are "heartbroken, terrified and demoralized". "He does and says things that none of us, as parents, would condone for our children. He consistently uses language that is outright racist. He actively uses the highest office of the land to promote hatred as a political tool for his own benefit," said Jayapal. "As a brown immigrant female member of Congress, I feel the impact of these words personally, as well as collectively," she said. Jayapal is the only Indian-American lawmaker to have announced boycotting Trump's State of the Union Address, which is a customary annual address of the US President to a joint session of the Congress. Other Indian American Congressmen are Dr Ami Bera, Ro Khanna and Raja Krishnamoorthi. Senator Kamala Harris from California is of mixed African and American heritage.

Indian-American Congresswoman to boycott Trump's State of the Union address

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