Beyond Identity: Hindu Representation in the U.S. Government

Hindu Americans now form a significant part of the U.S. population and political landscape.
Tulsi Gabbard made history as the first Hindu in Congress, swearing in on the Bhagavad Gita.
Leaders like Raja Krishnamoorthi and Shri Thanedar promote Hindu identity and fight Hinduphobia.
Others like Ami Bera and Pramila Jayapal face criticism for some anti-Hindu positions.
Hindu representation spans Congress, federal agencies, and state governments across the U.S.

There are about 5 million followers of Hindu Dharma in the United States, making it one of the countries with the largest Hindu populations outside India. As this community grows, so does the need for representation to help Hindus stay connected to their cultural and religious identity. In recent years, several individuals have stepped forward to represent Hindu interests in American politics.

The first Hindu representative in the U.S. Congress was Tulsi Gabbard, a Democrat at the time who now serves as the United States Director of National Intelligence. When she was sworn into office in 2012, she proudly placed her hand on the Bhagavad Gita and openly embraced her Hindu faith. Her oath was a historic moment, marking the first time a practicing Hindu publicly represented the community at such a high level in American government.

In this article, we will focus on current members of the U.S. House of Representatives who are of Indian origin. These include Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), and Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10).

Democrat Ro Khanna represents California’s 17th congressional district, also known as Silicon Valley. He has supported progressive economic ideas, including stronger tech regulations, workers’ rights, and fairer distribution of wealth. Mr. Khanna has also played a role in shaping U.S.-India relations by serving as co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans. In the past, Mr. Khanna took a strong public stand against Hindu nationalism (Hindutva), even declaring that every American politician has a duty to “reject Hindutva.” However, four years later, in 2023, he helped start Prime Minister Modi’s address to Congress by writing a letter to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

Serving Congress since 2016, Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi represents the eighth district of Illinois. He was born into a Tamil-Hindu family in New Delhi, India, and has spoken out against the violence Hindus were facing in Bangladesh in the House of Representatives. He has also recited the Gayatri Mantra in the US Capitol to represent Hinduism. In September 2021, he submitted a statement in the House of Representatives on recognizing October as Hindu Heritage Month; the statement is now part of the U.S. Congressional Record, the official daily record of proceedings in Congress (Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 172 of Oct. 1). He has focused on education, labor rights, and national security and is a ranked member of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, shaping key policies between the US and China.

Representative Shri Thanedar, a Democrat from Michigan’s 13th congressional district, was raised in Karnataka, India. He has spoken out against Hinduphobia and violent attacks targeting the Hindu community, especially in the United States. He has written to the US Department of Justice to call for an investigation into the attacks on Hindu temples along with Mr. Khanna, Mr. Krishnamoorthi, Mr. Bera, and Ms. Jayapal. He also supports universal healthcare, strong national security, and expanding economic opportunities for everyone.

Democrat Suhas Subramanyam was elected to the US House of Representatives from Virginia’s 10th district in 2024. He took the oath of office on the Bhagavad Gita. He has worked towards affordability for all, education, and crime. Mr. Subramanyam has also served his community by volunteering as a firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

Congressman Ami Bera and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, both of Indian background, have taken positions that many Hindu-Americans see as unfair or anti-Hindu. They have supported resolutions and letters that criticize India’s actions, like removing Article 370 in Kashmir and passing the Citizenship Amendment Act. These are issues that many Hindus feel strongly about. Critics say that Mr. Bera and Ms. Jayapal often support views that misunderstand or misrepresent Hindu beliefs and the concerns of the Hindu community.

Other notable Hindus in the US Government

Dr. Vivek Murthy served as the 19th and 21st U.S. Surgeon General from December 14, 2014, to April 21, 2017, and again from March 23, 2021, to January 20, 2025. Inspired by Swami Vivekananda, he has promoted the Hindu values of community and service. Dr. Murthy has focused on improving mental health in America and raising awareness about issues like loneliness, social media addiction, stress, and drug abuse. He also helped make healthcare more accessible in India through programs like VISIONS and the Swasthya Project, which have served thousands of people.

Mr. Kashyap “Kash” Patel began his public service career in 2005 as a public defender in Florida. On February 20, 2025, he was appointed Director of the FBI by the Trump administration. He often speaks about how his Hindu upbringing influences his leadership and values. Mr. Patel emphasizes the importance of tolerance, education, and hard work. He believes in seva (selfless service), dharma (duty), and karma (righteous action). He also founded The Kash Foundation to support education, financial help, and legal aid for those in need.

Mr. Vivek Ramaswamy is a politician currently running for Governor of Ohio. He previously ran for president in the 2024 election and gained widespread support. He has openly embraced his Hindu identity and confidently defends his faith when challenged. In addition to his political career, Mr. Ramaswamy has made major contributions to healthcare. He founded a Chapter Medicare Center and led several pharmaceutical companies in developing FDA-approved drugs.

A Partial List of Other Hindus in the US Government

Niraj Antani – Former Ohio State Senator

Kumar Barve – Maryland State Delegate

Nisha Desai Biswal – CEO of the US International Development Finance Commission

Satveer Chaudhary – Former Member of the Minnesota State Senate

Jay Chaudhuri – North Carolina State Senator

Upendra J. Chivukula – Former NJ State Representative

Aneesh Chopra – Former Chief Technology Officer

Manka Dhingra – Washington State Senator

Shanti Gandhi – Former Member, Kansas House of Representatives

Jay Goyal – Former Member, Ohio House of Representatives

Raj Goyle – Former Kansas State Rep