Rise of the Samosa Caucus in Trump 2.0: Indian American representation at its peak in 2025

(January 21, 2025) Coined by Congressman Subramanian Raja Krishnamoorthi, the term “Samosa Caucus” playfully acknowledges the shared heritage of Indian American lawmakers while celebrating their significant contributions in US politics. As the United States ushers in a new chapter under the Trump 2.0 administration, the political landscape is witnessing an unprecedented milestone with the largest ever representation of Indian Americans in Congress with six members.

“Eight years ago, I was proud to coin the phrase ‘Samosa Caucus’ for our diverse and dedicated group of Indian American lawmakers in Congress,” said Representative Krishnamoorthi after taking his oath as a member of 119th Congress of the United States on January 3. “Today, our historic Indian American representation continues to grow in Congress.”

The United States Congress, comprising the House of Representatives (lower chamber) and the Senate (upper chamber), serves as the nation’s legislative backbone. Meeting at the iconic United States Capital in Washington, D.C., its members are elected through direct voting. Global Indian takes a closer look at the influential voices of the Samosa Caucus, a group of Indian American lawmakers shaping America’s political narrative during the Trump 2.0 administration.

Samosa Caucus in Trump 2.0 administration

Amerish Babulal “Ami” Bera

The longest-serving Indian American in Congress, Bera has been representing California in the United States House of Representatives since 2013. A proud Democrat, he champions the 6th congressional district with the same commitment he once brought to his medical career. Before entering politics, Bera built a distinguished career in healthcare. With a bachelor’s degree and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of California, Irvine, he served as Chief Medical Officer for Sacramento County and as the medical director of Care Management at Mercy Healthcare. His contributions extended to academia as well, where he held roles such as Associate Dean for Admissions and Clinical Professor at the UC Davis School of Medicine.

In Congress, Bera serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, where he champions diplomacy and global engagement. He is recognised for his leadership on healthcare, foreign policy, and environmental protection, reflecting his commitment to both national and global issues. Born in Los Angeles in 1965 to immigrant parents from Rajkot, Gujarat, who settled in the United States in the late 1950s, Bera is fluent in Gujarati and maintains strong ties to his heritage.

When I first took office in 2013, I was the only Indian American Member of Congress and the third ever in our nation’s history, “Since that day, I have been committed to ensuring we grow our representation in Congress. In the past decade, I am proud to be joined by incredible Indian American colleagues from around the country. I look forward to welcoming even more Indian American Members of Congress in the future!

Ami Bera

Subramanian Raja Krishnamoorthi

The Indian American attorney and politician has been serving as the U.S. representative for Illinois’s 8th congressional district since 2017. Known for his work on economic policy and education reform, he continues to champion initiatives that drive progress and opportunity.

Born in New Delhi, and raised in Peoria, Illinois, he is the first Indian-American or South Asian to serve as Ranking Member or Chair of a full committee in the U.S. Congress. He also holds the position of assistant whip. Krishnamoorthi’s journey began in Buffalo, New York, where his family moved in 1973 when he was just three months old, so his father could pursue graduate studies. Despite early economic hardships, including a period in public housing, the family found stability in Peoria in 1980 when his father became a professor at Bradley University. A bright student, Krishnamoorthi graduated as valedictorian from Richwoods High School.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering summa cum laude from Princeton University and a Juris Doctor with honours from Harvard Law School. After clerking for federal judge Joan B. Gottschall, Krishnamoorthi worked on Barack Obama’s 2000 House campaign and later served as issues director for Obama’s successful 2004 Senate campaign, helping craft his iconic Democratic National Convention keynote speech. These experiences laid the foundation for his political career.

I look forward to working with my Indian American colleagues to not only deliver for our constituents, but pave the way for future generations of Indian Americans who wish to serve in Congress too.

Subramanian Raja Krishnamoorthi

Pramila Jayapal

The politician and civil rights activist is the first woman to ever represent her district in Congress, breaking barriers as both the first Indian-American woman elected to the US House of Representatives and the first Asian American to represent Washington state at the federal level. She has served in the U.S. Representative for Washington’s 7th congressional district since 2017.

Before her electoral career, the Democratic Party leader, Jayapal was deeply rooted in civil rights advocacy, founding the pro-immigrant organisation OneAmerica after the September 11 attacks. She served as its executive director until 2012, championing issues of equity and inclusion.  In Congress, Jayapal has co-chaired the Congressional Progressive Caucus (2019–2021) and now serves as chair. She sits on the Judiciary and Budget Committees, bringing a progressive vision to key national issues. Born into a Malayali family in 1965 in Chennai, India, Jayapal grew up in Indonesia and Singapore before immigrating to the United States at 16 to pursue higher education. She earned a BA from Georgetown University and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

I’m thrilled that we are growing our ‘Samosa Caucus’ in this Congress and I look forward to continuing to work closely with my colleagues to deliver for our constituents and the country’s Indian American communities. My parents sacrificed so much to send me here, where they believed I would have the best opportunities. Now, I’m proud to be one of the six Indian Americans serving in Congress and the only Indian American woman to ever be elected to the House of Representatives.

Pramila Jayapal

Rohit “Ro” Khanna

The Indian American politician and lawyer has served as the US representative for California’s 17th congressional district since 2017. Backed by Silicon Valley’s tech industry, Khanna won his first 2016 congressional race and was re-elected in 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024 becoming a prominent voice for innovation and progressive policies in Congress. Born in 1976 in Philadelphia to Punjabi Hindu immigrant parents, Khanna grew up in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. His maternal grandfather, Amarnath Vidyalankar, was a prominent figure in India’s independence movement, working alongside Lala Lajpat Rai. 

Rohit Khanna graduated from the University of Chicago with honours in economics in 1998 and earned his law degree from Yale in 2001. After clerking for a federal judge and practicing intellectual property law, Khanna joined the Obama administration. He has served as the deputy assistant secretary at the US Department of Commerce under President Obama, leading trade missions and promoting US exports. He has also taught economics and law at institutions like Stanford University and authored Entrepreneurial Nation: Why Manufacturing is Still Key to America’s Future. A leader in technology policy and an advocate for clean energy initiatives.

As Co-Chair of the India Caucus, I’m proud to serve in this diverse Congress alongside a record number of Indian Americans. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the 119th Congress to strengthen America’s defence and strategic partnership with India.

Ro Khanna

Shri Thanedar

The Indian-American businessman, author, and politician has been serving as the US Representative for Michigan’s 13th congressional district since 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2021 to 2023. Thanedar also ran in the 2018 Democratic primary for Governor of Michigan.

Born in 1955 into a low-income family in Belgaum, Karnataka, India, Thanedar’s early life was full of hardships. At 14, after his father’s forced retirement, he took on odd jobs to support his family of eight. Despite financial struggles, he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry at the age of 18 and went on to complete a master’s degree at the University of Mumbai. In 1979, Thanedar moved to the United States to pursue a PhD at the University of Akron, which he completed in 1982. He became a US citizen in 1988. In September 2023, Thanedar launched the Dharma Caucus, emphasising bipartisan collaboration. The caucus brought together 27 lawmakers across four faiths, aiming to combat religious discrimination and foster inclusion. Thanedar described the initiative as “a statement of commitment to propel the wheels of inclusion and cultivate a nation where diversity is not only tolerated but celebrated.”

When I first moved to this country from India, I arrived with just $20 in my pocket. Like so many immigrants before and after me, I came to America with a passion for hard work and a belief in our land of opportunity. Today, I find myself in the United States Congress with a chance to promote the American Dream for people with stories like mine. I am excited about the prospect of supporting both the Indian-American community, my constituents in Michigan, and any other American who wants to chase their own American Dream.

Shri Thanedar

Suhas Subramanyam

The Indian-American lawyer is the latest member to join the Samosa Caucus, and is currently serving as the US Representative for Virginia’s 10th congressional district. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as a Virginia State Senator representing the 32nd district. Subramanyam made history in 2019 as the first Indian-American, South Asian, and Hindu elected to the Virginia General Assembly. He has previously served as a White House advisor to President Barack Obama, focusing on technology and innovation policy. In 2023, he was elected to the Virginia Senate, continuing his representation of the 32nd district.

Born in Houston, Texas, to Iyer Brahmin parents from Bengaluru, India, Subramanyam was raised in a household rooted in Indian culture and values. He attended Clear Lake High School before earning a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Tulane University. In January 2024, Subramanyam announced his candidacy for the US House of Representatives and successfully defeated Republican candidate Mike Clancy in the election.

My parents, who immigrated from India over 50 years ago, had the unique privilege of watching me be sworn in as the first Indian American to ever represent Virginia, and the entire East Coast, in Congress. My story is one that could only happen in a place like America. I am humbled to represent the Commonwealth alongside my fellow Indian American colleagues in Congress from across the country. And while I may be the first from Virginia, I am confident that I will not be the last.

Suhas Subramanyam

For the Indian diaspora, the rise of the Samosa Caucus serves as a source of immense pride and a reminder of the possibilities that come with active civic engagement. Beyond their legislative accomplishments, members of the Samosa Caucus have become role models for future generations, inspiring young Indian Americans to pursue careers in public service.