Did South Asian Candidates Achieve Historic Wins in New York, Virginia, and Ohio?
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Synopsis
In a historic election night, South Asian candidates Zohran Mamdani, Ghazala Hashmi, and Aftab Pureval achieved significant victories in New York, Virginia, and Ohio respectively. Their wins highlight the growing political influence of the South Asian diaspora in the United States.
Key Takeaways
- Zohran Mamdani becomes NYC's first Muslim and South Asian mayor.
- Ghazala Hashmi is the first Muslim woman in a statewide office in the US.
- Aftab Pureval wins re-election as Cincinnati's mayor with overwhelming support.
- The elections reflect the increasing political empowerment of the South Asian community.
- The turnout was the highest in over five decades, indicating strong voter engagement.
Washington, Nov 5 (NationPress) In a groundbreaking evening for the South Asian community, three distinguished candidates of Indian and broader South Asian lineage achieved significant victories in critical US elections, highlighting the increasing political power of the diaspora.
From New York to Virginia and Ohio, three politicians of Indian descent—Zohran Mamdani, Ghazala Hashmi, and Aftab Pureval—each made history in their respective races.
Leading the way was Mamdani, a 34-year-old Ugandan-born son of renowned Indian filmmaker Mira Nair and scholar Mahmood Mamdani.
With nearly 90 percent of the votes tallied, Mamdani emerged victoriously in the New York City mayoral contest, defeating Independent contender and former Governor Andrew Cuomo alongside Republican Curtis Sliwa.
The Democratic socialist and Queens assemblyman secured more than 50 percent of the vote, equating to over one million ballots cast in a record turnout exceeding two million, the highest in over five decades.
This victory positions him as the city’s inaugural Muslim mayor and the first of South Asian descent, a milestone celebrated by supporters as a beacon for immigrant communities.
In Virginia, state senator Ghazala Hashmi achieved a historic triumph in the lieutenant governor’s race, becoming the first Muslim woman elected to a statewide office in the US.
The Associated Press projected Hashmi winning with 53 percent to Republican John Reid’s 47 percent. Having made her mark in 2019 as the first Muslim and South Asian woman in the Virginia legislature, she will now occupy one of the top executive roles in the state.
Born in Hyderabad in 1964, Hashmi moved to the US at the age of four with her mother and older brother.
In Ohio, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval secured re-election, garnering over 79 percent of the counted votes, as per early results with 90 percent of precincts reporting.
Pureval, of Indian and Tibetan heritage, triumphed over Republican challenger Cory Bowman, who is the half-brother of US Vice President J.D. Vance.
The victories of Mamdani, Hashmi, and Pureval underscore the increasing influence of Indian-American and South Asian leaders in US politics, from city halls to state capitals, marking an evening of historic achievements for the community.
Point of View
The recent electoral success of South Asian candidates signifies a transformative shift in the political landscape of the US. These victories are not just personal achievements; they represent a broader narrative of diversity, inclusion, and the increasing recognition of the South Asian community's role in shaping the future of American politics.
NationPress
10/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the South Asian candidates that won in the recent elections?
The candidates are Zohran Mamdani in New York, Ghazala Hashmi in Virginia, and Aftab Pureval in Ohio.
What historic milestones did these candidates achieve?
Mamdani became NYC's first Muslim mayor, Hashmi is the first Muslim woman elected to statewide office in the US, and Pureval was re-elected as mayor in Cincinnati.
What is the significance of their victories?
Their victories signify the growing political influence and representation of the South Asian community in the United States.
