8 Indian-origin political leaders in the US: Where they studied before stepping into public life
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Their academic backgrounds span medicine, law, engineering, economics, and business—fields that continue to resonate with Indian families worldwide. For these politicians, universities were not just stepping stones but launchpads for careers that now shape US domestic and foreign policy.
Kamala Harris
The daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants, Kamala Harris made history as America's first woman and first Indian-origin Vice President.
Harris studied economics and political science at Howard University, one of the most prestigious historically Black colleges, before earning her law degree at UC Hastings College of Law. Her legal training laid the foundation for her career as California's Attorney General and later as US Senator, before rising to the nation's second-highest office.
Ami Bera
A practicing physician before entering politics, Dr. Ami Bera represents California's 6th District.
He completed his BS in Biological Sciences and MD at UC Irvine, later serving as a clinical professor of medicine. His medical expertise has often informed his policy positions on healthcare, science, and technology, making him a leading voice in Congress on public health issues.
Raja Krishnamoorthi
Born in India and raised in Illinois, Raja Krishnamoorthi embodies academic excellence. He graduated
summa cum laude
in Mechanical Engineering from Princeton University, followed by a JD from Harvard Law School.
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His dual background in STEM and law positioned him as a policy leader in technology, workforce development, and national security.
Ro Khanna
Ro Khanna, representing California's tech heartland, is known as one of the most progressive voices in US politics. After earning a BA in Economics from the University of Chicago, Khanna studied law at Yale Law School. His educational training in economics and law mirrors his political platform, where he champions innovation, workers' rights, and digital equity.
Pramila Jayapal
Seattle-based Pramila Jayapal, the first Indian-American woman elected to the US House, brings a global perspective. She studied English Literature and Economics at Georgetown University before earning an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. Her mix of humanities and business education prepared her for a career in advocacy, grassroots organising, and eventually leadership in the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
Shri Thanedar
Detroit Congressman Shri Thanedar has perhaps the most unconventional educational journey. Starting with a BS in Chemistry at Karnatak University and an MS at the University of Mumbai, he went on to pursue a PhD in Chemistry at the University of Akron. Thanedar later became a successful entrepreneur before entering politics, showing how scientific training can translate into business and public service.
Suhas Subramanyam
At 39, Suhas Subramanyam represents a younger generation of Indian-American politicians.
A Philosophy major at Tulane University, he went on to study law at Northwestern University's Pritzker School of Law. His blend of liberal arts and law reflects his interest in ethical governance, technology policy, and civil rights.
Vivek Ramaswamy
Entrepreneur-turned-politician Vivek Ramaswamy rose to prominence as a presidential candidate and now serves in the Trump administration. A Biology graduate from Harvard with a JD from Yale Law School, Ramaswamy's educational trajectory mirrors his professional duality, leading billion-dollar biotech firms before entering America's political spotlight.
The bottom line
Despite differences in ideology and career paths, education emerges as the binding force among these leaders. Elite US universities like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Northwestern, and UC campuses dominate their resumes, underscoring the role of higher education in shaping political leadership.
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