New US Congress may see more Indian-Americans

Washington: The upcoming US elections on November 3 could very well see the expansion of the so called 'Samosa Caucus', a term coined by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi for informal grouping of Indian-American lawmakers, according to the latest Congressional polls coming from states. The 'Samosa Caucus' comprises five Indian-American lawmakers, including four members of the House of Representatives and Senator and Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris.

In the House of Representatives, senior most Dr Ami Bera, Congressmen Ro Khanna and Krishnamoorthi along with Pramila Jayapal, who is the first and the only Indian American woman in the House, are projected to be re-elected on November 3.Pramila Jayapal, 55, in the new Congress next year, is likely to have company from Dr Hiral Tipirneni.

Hiral Tipirneni, emergency room physician, is leading, though by a narrow margin, against Republican incumbent David Schweikert in the sixth Congressional District of Arizona. He has been endorsed by top leaders of the Democratic party, including former vice president Joe Biden, the presidential candidate.Former State Department Diplomat Sri Preston Kulkarni is leading by five percent against his Republican rival Troy Nehls in the 22nd Congressional District of Texas, which is an open seat this time.