In the wake of the 2020 US elections, the “Samosa Caucus” — the informal term for the growing number of Indian-origin Americans in Congress — has strengthened its position, now comprising six members in the House of Representatives. This number may rise to seven if Democratic candidate Amish Shah secures victory in the close race in Arizona’s first Congressional District. 

What is Samosa Caucus?

The term “Samosa Caucus” has been around since 2018 and was coined by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, who represents Illinois’ 8th District. It reflects a strong sense of identity and pride within the Indian-American community, symbolized by the samosa, an iconic Indian snack, with the term also popularised by online platforms such as “Samosapedia” — the internet’s playful catalogue of Indian culture and language.

This informal grouping represents a diverse array of Indian-American leaders whose experiences span fields like healthcare, education, business, and social justice. The Indian-American presence in the US Congress is growing, signalling a broader political engagement and a deeper influence of the community in shaping U.S. domestic and foreign policy.

Here’s a closer look at the key members of the Samosa Caucus who have contributed to this new political narrative:

Suhas Subramanyam: Virginia’s Trailblazer

Suhas Subramanyam made history as the first Indian-American to be elected to the US House of Representatives from Virginia’s 10th Congressional District. Born to immigrant parents from Bengaluru, Suhas is also the first practising Hindu elected to serve in Virginia’s federal office. Before his congressional run, Subramanyam had been a state senator and a delegate in Virginia’s assembly. His background as a law graduate from Northwestern University and his work as a White House advisor during the Obama administration is part of the legacy he brings to Congress. Subramanyam’s election signifies not only the increasing representation of South Asians in American politics but also the commitment of the Indian-American community to influence legislative policies at the federal level.

Ami Bera: California’s Senior Congressman

Ami Bera, who has represented California’s 6th Congressional District since 2013, continues to be the most senior Indian-American in Congress. Re-elected for his seventh consecutive term, Bera has established himself as a leader in healthcare reform, advocating for greater access to healthcare and affordability of prescription drugs. A trained physician with an MD from the University of California-Irvine, Bera has worked on numerous health-related initiatives while serving on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. His Indian heritage, rooted in Rajkot, Gujarat, and his career in medicine, make him a prominent voice on both healthcare policy and strengthening U.S.-India relations. Bera’s continuous success underscores the political maturity of Indian-Americans, particularly in a state as politically important as California.

Shri Thanedar: The Michigan Success Story

Shri Thanedar, a businessman turned politician, was re-elected to Michigan’s 13th Congressional District. Thanedar, who immigrated from Belagavi, Karnataka, to pursue higher education in the U.S., has built an extensive career in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. After selling his company, Avomeen Analytical Services, for $20 million in 2016, Thanedar transitioned into politics, notably running for governor of Michigan before successfully winning a seat in the House. Known for his unapologetic political style and a history of addressing corporate failures head-on, Thanedar has been compared to Donald Trump for his business acumen and his combative approach to criticism. His rise is an example of the increasingly influential role of Indian-Americans in the Midwestern political landscape.

Pramila Jayapal: A Progressive Leader from Washington

Pramila Jayapal, who represents Washington’s 7th Congressional District, is one of the most vocal progressive voices in the U.S. House of Representatives. As the first South Asian to represent Washington at the federal level, Jayapal has been an advocate for progressive policies like Medicare for All, immigration reform, and climate change. She currently chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus, shaping critical policy debates across the nation. Jayapal’s commitment to social justice extends to her support for the landmark anti-caste discrimination legislation in Seattle. She was the first South Asian-American woman elected to Congress, and her continued re-election to the House highlights the increasing role of Indian-American women in American politics.

Ro Khanna: California’s Advocate for Technology and Innovation

Ro Khanna, who represents California’s 17th Congressional District, has made a name for himself as a leading voice for innovation and technology in Congress. A former Silicon Valley tech executive, Khanna advocates for bringing tech jobs to rural America and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. A product of Philadelphia, Khanna’s passion for tech is balanced with a keen interest in economic policy, exemplified in his advocacy for “economic patriotism” and his support of American-made products. Khanna’s re-election in 2020 strengthens his influence as a bridge between the rapidly growing tech industry and the broader American economy.

Raja Krishnamoorthi: A Political Force from Illinois

Raja Krishnamoorthi, representing Illinois’s 8th Congressional District, is a senior member of the Samosa Caucus and has established himself as a force in Congress. He chairs the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party and is a ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee. Known for his deep knowledge of technology and workforce development, Krishnamoorthi’s leadership focuses on the intersection of national security, intelligence, and economic growth. His background in mechanical engineering and law, combined with his focus on education policy, has earned him respect from both sides of the aisle. Krishnamoorthi continues to fight for the Indian-American community’s interests while promoting greater global cooperation between the US and India.

Amish Shah: The Potential Rising Star

Currently leading in a tight race in Arizona’s first District, Amish Shah is a physician and healthcare advocate who could soon join the ranks of the Samosa Caucus. Born in Chicago to Indian immigrant parents, Shah has worked in Arizona’s State Assembly and is now seeking to bring his expertise in healthcare to the federal level. With a background in medicine and public health, Shah’s priorities include improving healthcare access and addressing public health issues on a national scale. If his lead holds, Shah’s election would further diversify the voices in the US House of Representatives, particularly within the South Asian community.

A Growing Political Influence

The Samosa Caucus is not just a group of Indian-American representatives, but a testament to the growing political influence of the Indian-American community in the United States. From healthcare reform to technology policy, these representatives are shaping the conversation on key issues in US domestic and foreign policy. With their diverse backgrounds and professional expertise, these leaders exemplify the rich, multifaceted contribution of Indian-Americans to the American political landscape.

As the community continues to grow and assert its voice in US politics, the Samosa Caucus is likely to expand further, providing stronger representation for the interests of both Indian-Americans and the broader US electorate. With members advocating for policies that resonate across party lines and the nation, the Samosa Caucus represents the growing importance of the Indian-American community in shaping the future of American democracy.