Washington: A remarkable evening unfolded for the South Asian community as three influential candidates of Indian and South Asian descent achieved significant victories in crucial US elections, highlighting the increasing political influence of this demographic.

From New York to Virginia and Ohio, Indian-origin politicians Zohran Mamdani, Ghazala Hashmi, and Aftab Pureval made history with their electoral successes.

Leading the way was Mamdani, a 34-year-old Ugandan-born son of renowned Indian filmmaker Mira Nair and academic Mahmood Mamdani.

With nearly 90% of the votes tallied, Mamdani emerged victorious in the New York City mayoral election, defeating Independent candidate and former Governor Andrew Cuomo along with Republican Curtis Sliwa.

As a Democratic socialist and assemblyman from Queens, Mamdani garnered over 50% of the vote, translating to more than one million ballots cast in a record-breaking turnout of over two million voters, the highest in fifty years.

His win marks a historic milestone as the first Muslim mayor and the first mayor of South Asian descent in New York City, celebrated by supporters as a symbol of hope for immigrant communities.

In Virginia, state senator Ghazala Hashmi achieved a groundbreaking victory in the lieutenant governor’s race, becoming the first Muslim woman to be elected to a statewide office in the United States.

The Associated Press projected Hashmi winning with 53% of the votes against Republican John Reid’s 47%. Having made history in 2019 as the first Muslim and South Asian woman in the Virginia legislature, she will now occupy one of the state's top executive roles.

Born in Hyderabad in 1964, Hashmi moved to the US at the age of four with her mother and older brother.

In Ohio, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval secured re-election with over 79% of the counted votes, according to early results with 90% of precincts reporting.

Pureval, who has Indian and Tibetan roots, defeated Republican challenger Cory Bowman, who is the half-brother of US Vice President J.D. Vance.

The triumphs of Mamdani, Hashmi, and Pureval highlight the rising prominence of Indian-American and South Asian leaders in US politics, marking a night filled with historic achievements for the community.