The ABCD of US politics: American-born Combative Desis face MAGA heat

American-born Desi politicians are making waves in US politics, despite the polarized climate of the 2022 midterm elections. Indian-origin candidates have emerged in both Democratic and Republican parties, transcending the traditional confines of elected roles.

In New York, Saritha Komatireddy, a Republican, is challenging the powerful Democrat Letitia James for the position of Attorney General. Komatireddy, the daughter of Indian immigrants born in Brooklyn, has turned her legal expertise into a campaign that's catching national attention. While facing an uphill battle in a heavily Democratic state, Komatireddy's hardline anti-crime stance has gained traction.

On the Colorado front, Hetal Doshi, a first-generation Indian-American and former federal prosecutor, is vying for the position of Attorney General. Her background in the Justice Department's Antitrust Division reflects the growing influence of Indian-Americans in high-level government roles beyond traditional immigration and foreign policy arenas.

At the congressional level, four Indian-American Democrats have announced their re-election bids, while two Indian-American Democrats and two Republicans stand a chance in their respective congressional races. Meanwhile, Vivek Ramaswamy, a Cincinnati-born son of Indian immigrants, is pursuing the governorship of Ohio, backed by President Trump.

However, the political landscape is not without its challenges. Some MAGA activists have criticized Ramaswamy, labeling him as an "Indian boy" pretending to be American. This backlash highlights the complex intersection of race, ancestry, and politics within the conservative base. Despite this, Indian-American politicians are proving that their political allegiance is not dictated by their heritage, and success on the ballot is not solely contingent on the party label they choose to bear.