His re-election underscores the growing influence of South Asian Americans, particularly Pakistani-Americans, in political leadership, as their community becomes an active force in shaping US policy
By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani-American Democratic representatives Salman Bhojani and Suleman Lalani have both achieved historic re-elections to the Texas State House, a notable milestone for South Asian American representation in US politics. Bhojani, who joined the Texas legislature in 2022, has continued to advocate for healthcare, education, business development, and immigrant rights—issues central to his platform.
His re-election underscores the growing influence of South Asian Americans, particularly Pakistani-Americans, in political leadership, as their community becomes an active force in shaping US policy. Suleman Lalani defended his seat with 56.1 percent of the vote against Republican contender Lee Simmons, consolidating his role in the assembly and signaling a growing acceptance of diverse voices in Texas politics.
In contrast, Republican Aaron Bashir, the only Pakistani-American candidate running for Congress, narrowly lost his race in Pennsylvania. His campaign was a bold attempt at increasing Pakistani-American representation in Congress, though the results reflected the challenging dynamics in battleground districts. In a parallel development, Donald Trump addressed his supporters in Florida following his presidential election win, delivering a triumphant speech celebrating a victory he described as hard-fought and unprecedented.
Trump emphasized the resilience of his campaign in overcoming formidable obstacles, which he credited as “the most incredible political thing” in US history. Highlighting his dedication to his supporters, Trump promised to work tirelessly to create a “strong, safe, and prosperous America,” cementing his return to the presidency with a pledge to uphold American values and security. The election outcomes reflect a polarized yet evolving political landscape in the United States, where diverse candidates and established figures are each vying for influence amidst a rapidly changing electorate.
