In 2016, she made history by becoming the first South Asian American woman elected to the US House of Representatives
With the United States heading towards the November 3 midterm elections, Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal is seeking another term in the House of Representatives, where she has emerged as one of the Democratic Party’s most prominent progressive voices.Jayapal, who represents Washington’s 7th Congressional District, advanced to the general election after finishing among the top two candidates in the state’s August 4 primary. She will face Republican challenger Nirav Sheth, an Indian immigrant and former police officer, in a district that includes most of Seattle and surrounding communities.First elected in 2016, Jayapal is seeking a sixth term in Congress.
The district is considered a Democratic stronghold, making her the favourite heading into the November polls. Her campaign centres on protecting democratic institutions, expanding healthcare access, reforming immigration policy and challenging economic inequality, while criticising President Donald Trump’s administration over its policies on immigration, healthcare and social welfare.
From India to Capitol Hill
Born in India, Jayapal grew up in India, Indonesia and Singapore before moving to the United States alone at the age of 16 to attend Georgetown University.
She later earned an MBA from Northwestern University and worked across several industries in the public and private sectors.Before entering electoral politics, Jayapal spent nearly a decade working in global health and development at the international non-profit organisation Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH). She subsequently founded OneAmerica, Washington state's largest immigrant advocacy organisation, serving as its executive director for 12 years.Her work on immigrant rights, racial justice and civil liberties helped establish her as an advocate before she entered Congress. In 2016, she made history by becoming the first South Asian American woman elected to the US House of Representatives. She is also among the small number of naturalised citizens serving in Congress.
Immigration, healthcare and economic inequality
In Congress, Jayapal has built her political identity around progressive policy proposals.
She previously chaired the Congressional Progressive Caucus for six years and now serves as its chair emerita.A member of the House Judiciary, Foreign Affairs and Budget committees, she has played a prominent role in debates on immigration enforcement and reform. She has opposed the Trump administration's immigration policies, including family separations, and advocated for expanded legal pathways to citizenship and limits on private, for-profit detention facilities.Healthcare is another central focus of her legislative agenda. Jayapal introduced the Medicare for All Act, which seeks to establish a universal healthcare system. She has also championed the College for All Act, aimed at expanding access to higher education, and the Ultra-Millionaire Tax Act, which proposes higher taxes on the wealthiest Americans.Her other legislative priorities include affordable housing, stronger collective bargaining rights, a $15 minimum wage, protections for domestic workers and a transition to a 100% clean-energy economy.
Who is challenging Jayapal?
Republican challenger Nirav Sheth is campaigning on public safety, crime prevention, homelessness and support for small businesses. Born and raised in India, Sheth moved to the US in 2008 to study computer and electrical engineering. He subsequently served four years in the US Marine Corps, worked as a police officer in Lakewood, Washington, and entered the restaurant business.Sheth has argued that Jayapal focuses too heavily on opposing the Trump administration rather than addressing local concerns. He has proposed reducing federal spending, redirecting funds towards infrastructure and small businesses, and establishing a rehabilitation centre for people experiencing homelessness.