Indian American House Candidates Have Raised Millions In Campaign Funds

SAN JOSE, CA – Congressman Ro Khanna has $16.93 million in campaign cash, far ahead of other Indian American candidates for the US House of Representatives, according to Federal Election Commission (FEC) data, even as most major candidates have yet to file their third-quarter reports due on October 15.

Khanna, representing California’s 17th Congressional District, had raised $13.76 million during the 2026 election cycle as of June 30, according to FEC figures available on October 14.

His Republican challenger, Ritesh Tandon, who is also Indian American, reported raising $52,500 during the cycle through September 30 and had $702 in cash on hand.

Representative Pramila Jayapal, a Washington state Democrat, had raised $2.50 million and held $1.77 million in cash as of July 15. Her Republican opponent, Nirav Sheth, had raised $11,800 and held $5,000 as of July 22.

Representative Ami Bera, a California Democrat, had raised $1.25 million and held $1.83 million in cash as of June 30.

Representative Suhas Subramanyam, a Virginia Democrat representing the state’s 10th Congressional District, had raised $1.17 million and held $583,000 as of July 15.

Among challengers, Democrat Pia Dandiya, running in Florida’s 22nd Congressional District, had raised $2.28 million and held $1.30 million as of July 29.

Democrat Amish Shah, running in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, had raised $1.83 million and held $402,000 as of July 1.

Several other Indian American candidates have already filed their third-quarter reports. Republican Max Ganorkar, running in North Carolina’s 4th District, reported raising $18,600 and holding $16,800. Independent Sandeep Dixit, running in Ohio’s 13th District, reported raising $81,900 and holding $7,300.

Democrat Mark Nair, running in Texas’ 13th District, reported raising $132,000 and holding $14,500.

The figures are cycle-to-date totals, but the reporting periods vary. Some of the latest available reports were filed before primaries and cover periods ending in July. The third-quarter reports, covering July 1 to September 30, are expected to provide a more current picture of fundraising and cash reserves for most incumbents and leading challengers.

Khanna’s campaign funds rank among the largest held by any House member and have fueled speculation about his wider political ambitions.

The elections will be held on November 3, with all 435 seats in the House of Representatives up for election. Six Indian Americans currently hold House seats, all as Democrats.

The FEC is the independent federal agency responsible for administering and enforcing campaign finance laws. House candidates who raise or spend more than $5,000 must file regular reports disclosing their receipts, spending and cash on hand. (IANS)