Number of Indian-origin lawmakers increases in US Congress, Raja Krishnamoorthi expresses joy

Following the announcement of the 2026 US midterm election results, the Democratic Party has gained control of the US Congress. In these elections, 5 Indian-Americans have entered Congress. Democratic leader Raja Krishnamoorthi, representing Illinois' 8th Congressional District, expressed happiness over these results. He stated that he is pleased to see more Indian-Americans entering politics.

In a conversation with NDTV, Raja Krishnamoorthi said that the 2026 midterm elections have proven that Indian-Americans are now strongly presenting their voice through their votes. He recalled that 10 years ago, he had coined the term 'Samosa Caucus' for Indian-Americans serving in Congress. Krishnamoorthi stated, "I coined the term Samosa Caucus 10 years ago. These are the Indian-Americans who are in the US Congress. I am glad that the Samosa Caucus is strong and I hope their number will increase further in the coming years."

He welcomed two new members who joined Congress and expressed hope that it would be interesting to see what new ideas and contributions they bring to the Congress. Speaking about the growing political power of Indian-Americans, he said that this community has not yet reached its full potential. In his view, this influence is growing but has not yet reached its peak as imagined.

According to Krishnamoorthi, the increase in hatred towards Indians, South Asians, and Hindus has encouraged Indian-Americans to come forward and vote. Citing the example of Texas, he mentioned that Beau B. French, whom he described as a person with anti-Indian prejudice, lost the Railway Commissioner election to Jon Rosenthal. Raja Krishnamoorthi himself had campaigned for Rosenthal a few weeks ago. He added, "I feel that we have now started showing our strength, and that is very important."

When asked which issues are most important for Indian-American voters, he cited the rising cost of living as the biggest concern. He mentioned the increase in costs for gasoline, groceries, rent, utilities, healthcare, education, and childcare. Krishnamoorthi said that everything has become very expensive, citing two main reasons: first, the illegal and unconstitutional Iran war, and second, the broad tariffs imposed on products from almost all countries of the world, which are increasing the cost of living.

He further stated that Indian-Americans, like others, are fed up with this situation. He described these election results as a "historic rebuke" for US President Donald Trump. Speaking on the impact on India-US relations, he said that the increase in Democratic seats in Congress could bring more stability to the relations between the two countries. He expressed hope that the new Congress, together with the Republican Party, would bring an end to the Iran war.

Raja Krishnamoorthi emphasized that the election of 5 Indian-Americans to Congress is a good step, but the community needs to play a larger role in politics. He suggested that Indian-Americans should vote in large numbers, contest elections at various levels, and support issues that affect the general public.