Shifting Politics: South Asian Americans Leading the Left in the U.S.

In the summer of 2025, Zohran Mamdani – a democratic socialist of Indian descent born in Uganda – won the Democratic primary for Mayor of New York City. The Wall Street Journal called it one of the biggest political stories of 2026, alongside Trump’s waning popularity. His victory was backed by a coalition that took years to form, comprising organizations, editors, theorists, and organizers whose names might not be widely known but have been crucial in reviving the American left.

Many of these individuals are South Asian.

Joseph Geevarghese: The Kerala Connection at the Heart of Our Revolution

Joseph Geevarghese has a name that immediately hints at his roots. It originates from Kerala – the southwestern Indian state where his Syrian Christian community has used surnames like Geevarghese, a Malayalam version of Georgios, for almost two thousand years. He is the executive director of Our Revolution, a grassroots political organization started by Senator Bernie Sanders after his 2016 presidential campaign collapsed. According to his author profile there, it’s described by The Nation as “the largest independent grassroots political action organization in the US.”

Our Revolution supported Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in 2018 when she was an underdog against long-time incumbent Joe Crowley. It also backed Zohran Mamdani in his New York state assembly race long before he became nationally recognized during his mayoral campaign. This organization plays a vital role in shifting democratic socialist politics from being fringe to mainstream within American political life – with Geevarghese at its helm through this change.

His public statements embody both strategic thinking and moral urgency regarding the movement he leads. At a June 2021 demonstration outside Amazon’s offices in Arlington, Virginia-organized around the PRO Act to enhance workers’ rights-he addressed attendees about Amazon warehouse employees who “work nonstop, get few breaks, have to piss into water bottles,” saying: “This is unacceptable – not just at Amazon but at other low-wage companies such as Walmart and Mc Donald’s,” as documented by Key Wiki.

Lately, with more democratic socialist candidates winning primaries faster than ever during the 2026 election cycle, Geevarghese has become a key public communicator for this movement. “This isn’t a sudden surge,” he stated to Newsweek in June 2026. “It’s ten years of work becoming visible.” He dismissed claims that voters were embracing any ideology; instead he pointed out that polling reflects deeper frustrations with corporate power. “They’re not falling in love with an ideology,” he said to Newsweek. “They’re done with a government that answers to corporations instead of to them.”

He contextualized this uptick in socialist electoral wins within broader urban dissatisfaction aimed simultaneously at both Trump’s administration and the Democratic establishment. “It’s a reaction to Trump,” he told NBC News. “Trump has attacked major cities which house many Democratic voters; he’s sent ICE and National Guard troops into them while cutting off funding. The cost of living is simply unaffordable now; you’re seeing not just discontent with Trump but also towards how this Democratic establishment governs those cities.”

Regarding scale, he clarified: “There are currently two DSA members in Congress; this cycle’s primary wins alone could roughly double that number-more contested races are still coming before November,” he explained to Newsweek. “What is new is how quickly and broadly growth is occurring inside the Democratic Party itself-with institutional backing.”

Ashik Siddique: From Brooklyn Bangladeshi Family to DSA Co-Chair

Ashik Siddique – pronounced ah-SHEEK sih-DEEK according to Wikipedia – was born in 1988 and grew up in Brooklyn within a Bangladeshi immigrant family as detailed by Key Wiki’s biographical account on him. His story reflects primarily an American experience rather than one linked directly back home; it was events happening here-not Bangladesh-that shaped his political awakening: post-9/11 surveillance targeted family members due to national security measures introduced after those attacks made him acutely aware as a Muslim teenager watching relatives become subjects of suspicion.

Siddique came across Occupy Wall Street during 2011 while working at Bronx veterans hospital treating combat veterans from Iraq/Afghanistan suffering PTSD according again noted by Key Wiki along with his Institute for Policy Studies bio note. This mix-the impact on his own family from surveillance tactics paired with witnessing firsthand human wreckage resulting from America’s wars-gave him consistent framing politically since then showing how militarism , surveillance systems , inequality & climate change aren’t separate issues but signs pointing toward failure structurally overall.

He joined Democratic Socialists America early on (in Jan’17), went on complete college studying Neuroscience/Behavioral Science finishing degree while later working several years coordinating research surrounding PTSD among veteran patients there based Bronx VA Medical Center ; per Institute Policy Studies where presently serves as research analyst focusing primarily federal budgeting/military expenditures.

Siddique moved quickly up through DSA ranks thereafter getting elected National Political Committee member during their convention held ’21 year past ; following next gathering held ’23 year saw him paired alongside Megan Romer getting voted into newly formed co-chairs position -both re-elected come ’25 too according records held Wikipedia site. Additionally he’s part Groundwork caucus within DSA which focuses specifically eco-socialist approach promoting road toward socialism democratically while collectively engaging everyone involved throughout process.

He frequently utilizes platforms available speaking against false portrayals surrounding what actually constitutes DSA politics advocating changes necessary across board required transform society fundamentally together cooperatively whenever possible ensuring inclusivity remains central aspect decision making going forward-as seen when quoted saying :“We want everybody making decisions together as much possible” expressed during interview conducted The Hill back ’26. In piece over Newsweek under own name argued against blame directed onto group concerning losses faced Democrats noting reality shows winning over masses demands tangible policies truly impactful lives citizens aspiring champion nationwide pushing forth vision ultimately come fruition afterwards! Participated hunger strike lasting five days outside White House late December ‘23 calling halt violence occurring Gaza standing united alongside peers Mamdani, Tlaib, Bush, Nixon detailed further upon info found via Wikipedia page dedicated Mr. Siddiqui himself too!

This July ’25 saw emergence rising beyond NYC primaries led Siddiqui seize opportunity provide commentary C-SPAN Washington Journal dedicating hour-long slot discussion revolving topics focused predominantly surrounding their grassroots initiatives taken place recently – showcasing just how far reach they’ve garnered transitioning discourse once relegated sidelines becoming much larger conversation starter impacting nation now actively engaged populace wanting hear opinions shared openly accessible manner demonstrated archived programs list available accessed via C-SPAN archives themselves!

The concentration noted above pertaining South Asian Americans stepping into leadership roles across landscape redefining American democracy merits exploration giving context behind reasons fueling motivation driving individuals commit themselves towards progressive ideals transforming system we live through today collectively working under banner solidarity birthed respective communities striving uplift marginalized voices unheard historically emphasizing importance representation witnessed rise each figure mentioned thus far encapsulating core essence why movement needed NOW !

Bharat Sunkara : Bridging Diaspora History With Media Impact!

Bharat Sunkara carries rich heritage encompassing layers diverse histories interwoven creating compressed narrative demonstrating journey Indian subcontinent globally travelled down paths intersecting cultures encountered worldwide. Located United States since June ’89 born parents hailing India originally immigrating Trinidad Tobago shortly prior delivery day marking beginning their lives abroad parent like father Telugu descent Andhra Pradesh whilst mother ancestry can be traced back island reaching mid-19th century arriving indentured laborers Punjab/Bihar regions – part massive migration systems facilitated Empire moving labor diaspora worldwide post slavery era officially ending brings forth nuances tied intricacies evolving landscapes experienced many generations passed along lineage preserved narratives told over time shed light struggles faced shaping identities belonging thereby establishing connections understanding class disparities affecting everyday people today!

Sunkara decided join democratic socialists America age seventeen enrolling George Washington University DC pursuing history degree where conceived vision launching magazine aiming replicate success narrative created by National Review serving contemporary left engaging mainstream ideologically coherent way fostering conversations centered around ideas emerging organically throughout societies contexts explored issues pressing relevance highlighting intersections challenging status quo paving path future possibilities yet untapped leading ultimately culminated manifestation Jacobin launched September 2010 junior year completed print shortly afterward debuting early ’11 subsequently gaining attention rapidly due sheer commitment efforts placed nurturing community driven focus publishing addressing needs reflecting changing dynamics evolving landscapes witnessed historic transformations sparked movements igniting passion catalyzing engagement amongst supporters amplifying voices marginalized groups often overlooked neglected regularly!

“You have create institution do unglamorous laborious work big upsurge happens,”Sunkara remarked stating poignant truth rooted experiences connected all whom share backgrounds similar linking differences echo stories lived realities reminding us we must strive build stronger bonds unity empower generations future destined thrive amid challenges surrounding current societal frameworks constraints imposed limiting freedoms promising opportunities only provided select few privileged class maintaining course reinforce ideologies reign supreme unfortunately cause divide families friends alike tearing apart fabric local communities shattered dreams aspirations lost hope caught crossfire every day struggle trying make sense world complicated devoid fairness accountability distribution resources wealth unevenly allocated systems designed benefit certain classes advantage over others enriching elites excluding vast majority remaining disenfranchised left powerless contending remnants old guard clinging tightly positions authority refusing yield ground younger progressives seeking usher changes desperately needed restoring balance equity justice prevailing society disrupted turmoil distrust bred lack transparency too often leading nowhere positive outcomes whatsoever entirely counterproductive hinder progress immensely deterring potentials realized fully potential attained otherwise achieved if given chance navigate space collaboratively explore innovative strategies tackling obstacles facing head-on fortitude courage necessary forge ahead united collective voice speaking loudly enough demand actions taken ensure equitable treatment across board reflective humanity embrace coexistence regardless background identity unifying causes!”

Sunkara expanded portfolio continuing pursue goals impacting wider audiences sharing insights understandings gained ultimately leading presidency Nation distinguished progressive publication renowned covering various issues discussing critical analysis current events tackling underlying inequalities systemic nature injustices persists even today attempting dismantle barriers limit access opportunities afforded students workforce alike echo sentiments conveyed earlier regarding need establish fair playing fields created inclusive environments foster diversity inclusion supporting initiatives addressing disparities bridging gaps hindering development between socio-economic divides offering alternative perspectives generating dialogue lifting burdens collective weight borne entire populations battling uphill battles pursuing better futures bearing fruits seeds planted earlier cultivated care compassion resilience born struggle constantly adapting fluctuating climates seeking harmony equilibrium amidst chaos reigns supreme momentarily eclipsing aspirations illuminate light shine bright guiding way forward illuminating paths taken pave roads lead transformation realization dreams manifest tangible forms breaking cycles oppression liberating chains binding bringing liberation true fulfillment peace joy happiness achieved only through understanding acceptance mutual respect promote coexistence thrives resonant belief grows tremendously strengthens foundations built strength solidarity connection forged enduring legacies transcend boundaries existed before intertwining destinies embrace human dignity worthy recognition uphold virtues stand uphold freedom equality justice prevail champion causes fighting injustice relentlessly leaving lasting impacts inscribed hearts minds all touched hands inspire greatness reflected reflection seeks nurture cultivate revolution redefine futures mold visions shaped past till present entwined future awaits open arms beckoning arrivals limitless potentials awaiting discovery insight poised shift paradigm usher brighter tomorrow!

“Every day spent learning growing becomes investment worth taking risk unlocking doors may lead uncovering treasures hidden depths unexplored realms waiting reveal secrets unfold before eyes opened wide eager grasp wisdom granted freely willing partake knowledge shared bring enlightenment illumination spark ignited ignite fires innovation creation potential unleashed unleash beauty artistry flourish diversify expressions thoughts words dreams interconnectedness weave richer tapestry human experience enhance quality lives enrich landscapes inhabit breathe life vigor vibrancy unrestrained limitless boundless opportunities offered!” [P]“Together can create meaningful changes lasting effects resonate deeply levels connecting weaving intricate patterns thread woven destiny ours combine forces channel energies harness power create waves change ripple effects radiate outward touching souls everywhere inspiring courage take steps necessary defend honor fight causes passionately believe unveil truths persistently fight tirelessly refuse accept anything less deserve fare best strive achieve glorious victories gain pride arising pursuit ambition!”

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