20 Indian-Americans running for US Congress raise over $15.5 million
What's the story
A record number of 20 Indian Americans are running for US Congressional elections this year. Collectively they have raised more than $15.5 million, as per latest official figures, with seven of them raising over a million each. There are six months still to go for the November Congressional election, except for Hiral Tipirneni who is running for April 24 special elections in Arizona.
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Figure raised could be a record in itself
The figure of more than $15.5 million raised by Indian Americans so far could be a record in itself for any ethnic community in the US. Traditionally, a significant amount of money is raised by candidates in the last two quarters.
Fund-raising
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has raised maximum over $3.5 million
As per latest fund-raising figures released by the Federal Election Commission, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi from Illinois has raised maximum over $3.5 million. Krishnamoorthi is seeking his re-election from the eighth Congressional district in Illinois. Pitted against him is Indian-American Jitender Digankar from the Republican party. Indian-American scientist and entrepreneur Shiv Ayyadurai is running as an independent candidate for the US Senate seat from Massachusetts.
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Three Indian-American Congressmen each have raised more than a million
Three other Indian-American Congressmen Ro Khanna, Dr. Ami Bera, and Pramila Jayapal each have raised more than a million each. Krishnamoorthi, Khanna, Bera, and Jayapal are the four Indian Americans in the current House of Representative. They are collectively called Samosa Caucus.
Funds
Congressman Khanna had raised nearly $2 million till March 31
Congressman Khanna, seeking re-election from California's 17th Congressional district had raised nearly $2 million till March 31. He is followed by Dr. Ami Bera with $1.7 million, who is seeking his fourth consecutive term in the US House of Representative from the Seventh Congressional District in California. Pramila Jayapal, the first-ever Indian-American to be elected to the House of Representative has raised $1.3 million.
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Jitender Digankar, Harry Arora are Republicans in the race
In addition to Indian American Jitender Digankar, Harry Arora is the only other Republican Indian American in the race for the Congress. Running from fourth Congressional District of Connecticut, Arora has raised $192,000 so far.