Indian wins 3rd term to New Jersey State Assembly

Of the ten Indian Americans who ran for elected office throughout the country in the State and local elections held on November 8, only two - Upendra Chivukula and Jay Aiyer (both Democrat party candidates) - were successful.

In a spectacular victory in New Jersey, Democrat Upendra Chivukula trounced Republican Salim Nathoo, also an Indian American, with 32.4 per cent votes in his bid for re-election to the 17th district of the New Jersey General Assembly.

Mr Chivukula was the first Indian American to be elected to state office in the US history in 2001. Jay Aiyer of Houston, TX was one of the top two vote-getters with 26.4 per cent votes in a crowded primary for Houston City Council.

Many other Indian American's contested for office in the 2005 election including Democrat Supriya Christopher (44.3%), a political novice who mounted a strong challenge in a Republican-dominated district but lost to Sal R Iaquinto (55.5%) in her bid to represent the 84th district of the Virginia House of Delegates.

The Indian American Leadership Initiative, formed in 2001 to support the efforts of Indian Americans nationwide who strive for elected office, congratulated the candidates for their hard fought campaigns.

''Election Day 2005 marks an important milestone for the Indian American community. Despite being an off year election, the Indian American community fielded an impressive number of candidates this year for a wide range of offices, from New Jersey State Assembly to Houston City Council,'' said Varun Nikore, President and founder of the Indian American Leadership Initiative.

"I congratulate all these Indian American's for having the courage to run for political office and give our community a much needed voice in the US politics," he added.