“Sikh Man Among Two Indian Americans Elected to Virginia State Legislatures”

In a historic achievement for the Indian American community, Kannan Srinivasan and J.J. Singh have been elected to Virginia’s state legislature during the special elections held on January 7, 2025. Srinivasan will serve in the State Senate, while Singh has secured a position in the House of Delegates, reinforcing the Democratic Party’s slim majority in both chambers.

Kannan Srinivasan, who previously represented Loudoun County in the House of Delegates, is noted for being the first Indian immigrant elected to that body. His campaign emphasized pressing issues such as mental health, fentanyl addiction, and consumer protection. Srinivasan’s political engagement was sparked by a personal incident involving a serious accident that led to his appointment to the state Medicaid board. He faced off against Republican Tumay Harding in a competitive race to fill the Senate seat left vacant by Suhas Subramanyam, who recently transitioned to Congress.

J.J. Singh, a prominent figure in Virginia’s business landscape, has made history as potentially the first turban-wearing Sikh legislator in the U.S. His diverse background includes serving in the White House Office of Management and Budget under President Barack Obama and working as a Peace Corps volunteer. Singh’s campaign focused on advocating for abortion rights, stricter gun control measures, climate change initiatives, and addressing economic challenges faced by everyday citizens. He defeated Republican candidate Ram Venkatachalam, another Indian American, who campaigned on fiscal conservatism and public safety.

These elections are significant not only for their immediate political implications but also for their representation of increasing diversity within Virginia’s legislature. The victories of Srinivasan and Singh reflect a broader trend of growing political engagement among Indian Americans in the region, marking a pivotal moment in Virginia’s political landscape as both parties prepare for future legislative sessions.