Meet Ashwin Ramaswami, Indian-American Gen Z vying for Senate seat
Ashwin Ramaswami, a 24-year-old software engineer and election security expert, is making waves as the first Indian-American Gen Z candidate running for a state or federal legislative position in the United States of America. Ramaswami, a Democrat, is vying for the State Senate in Georgia's 48th district, which includes diverse communities like Johns Creek and Alpharetta. He's up against Republican incumbent Shawn Still, whose involvement in controversial events during the 2020 election adds complexity to the race.
Ramaswami embraces both Indian and American cultures
Raised by immigrant parents from Tamil Nadu, India, Ramaswami embraces both Indian and American cultures. He has a deep appreciation for Indian epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata and has been involved in yoga, meditation, and teaching Baal Vihara to younger students. He told PTI that he has grown up with both Indian and American culture, and as a Hindu he has been very interested in Indian culture philosophy his whole life.
Addressing pressing societal issues
Ramaswami's political aspirations stem from his desire to tackle pressing issues like education, job creation, healthcare access, and public safety. "I'm running for (Georgia) State Senate to give back to my community. I want to make sure that everyone has the same opportunities I had growing up," he told PTI. Despite his youth and political inexperience, Ramaswami believes his computer science and legal expertise can bring innovative solutions to legislative challenges.
Ramaswami wants to break barriers and represent a new voice
If elected, Ramaswami would become Georgia's first Gen Z State Senator and the first Indian American in the state legislature. "I'd also break barriers in terms of being the first Indian American and Gen Z member of the Georgia State Senate. So I'd bring a new voice to politics," he told The Stanford Daily. He aims to bridge generational gaps and prove that young candidates can succeed with integrity and competence, regardless of their background.
Working toward inclusive representation and forward-thinking leadership: Ramaswami's campaign
Ramaswami's campaign focuses on improving access to education, jobs, healthcare, and reproductive rights for District 48 residents. In contrast to Shawn Still's radicalism and ongoing criminal charges, which reflect his self-interest and unethical behavior, Ramaswami emphasizes the need for representation aligned with community values, responsible stewardship of tax dollars, and tireless advocacy for every community member's welfare. Ramaswami's victory would signal a shift toward inclusive representation and forward-thinking leadership in American politics.