US Midterms: Vivek Ramaswamy Loses Ohio Governorship; how did Ro Khanna, Pia Dandiya and others | Today’s news
Vivk Ramaswamy’s defeat in the Ohio governor’s race means he will not be the third person of Indian origin to serve as governor of a US state. Bobby Jindal and Nikki Haley remain the only two Indian-origin politicians to hold the position, in Louisiana and South Carolina.
Interestingly, both Jindal and Haley won as Republican candidates. However, Ramaswamy was unable to replicate their success despite receiving the full support of US President Donald Trump. His defeat comes amid a broader wave of anti-Republican voting, with the party losing ground even in traditionally Republican strongholds. Ramaswamy also faced criticism over several campaign scams that may have complicated his bid.
Indian-Americans to vote
However, he was not the only candidate of Indian origin on the ballot. Several Indian-Americans contested races for the US Senate, House of Representatives, and state legislatures.
Quick answers to key questions
•5 QUESTIONS
Democrat Amy Acton defeated Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, according to US media projections. Ramaswamy has received the support of President Donald Trump.
His defeat meant that there would not be a third person of Indian descent to serve as governor of a US state. Bobby Jindal and Nikki Haley remain the only two Indian-origin politicians to have held the office.
Ro Khanna defeated Republican Ritesh Tandon in California’s 17th congressional district by a wide margin. Pramila Jayapal also won decisively against Republican Nirav Sheth in Washington’s 7th District.
Yes. Pia Dandiya defeated her Republican rival in Florida’s 22nd congressional district, a state traditionally considered a Republican stronghold.
Independent candidate Shiva Ayyadurai was the only Indian-origin candidate in the US Senate race. He challenged Democratic Sen. Ed Markey in Massachusetts, where Markey is expected to retain his seat.
Ro Khanna, a prominent Democratic leader from California, defeated Indian Republican candidate Ritesh Tandon by a wide margin in California’s 17th congressional district.
Pramila Jayapal also scored a decisive victory over Republican candidate Nirav Sheth in Washington’s 7th Congressional District.
Ami Bera, a Democrat from California’s 3rd Congressional District, also led Republican Robb Tucker.
Another Democrat, Suhas Subramanyam, led in Virginia’s 10th congressional district.
Pia Dandiya registers a win in the dark red state
Pia Dandiya also scored a victory over her Republican rival in Florida’s 22nd Congressional District, a state traditionally considered a Republican stronghold.
Amish Shah, another Democratic candidate, led by a large margin in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District.
Independent candidate Shiva Ayyadurai was the only Indian-origin candidate in the US Senate race. He challenged Democratic Sen. Ed Markey in Massachusetts, where Markey is expected to retain his seat.
Former US Vice President Kamala Harris remains the only politician of Indian origin to have served as a US Senator.
Democrats take over Congress from Republicans
Meanwhile, Democrats took control of both houses of Congress and turned Republican strongholds in a major electoral blowback against Trump and his policies. The results are said to reflect voter dissatisfaction with his administration, with the cost of living a major election issue.
Democrats have so far won 54 seats in the Senate, up from seven previously held by Republicans. They have also secured 225 seats in the House of Representatives.
Trump said he would accept the results and work with the opposition.
(Note: The wins were expected by US media networks and no official announcement has been made yet. Votes are still being counted.)
