Ashwin Ramaswami, a skilled professional in software engineering, election security, and technology law, has become the first Indian-American from Generation Z to hold a state or federal legislative position in the United States.

Identified as a member of Generation Z, comprising people born between 1997 and 2012, Ramaswami’s candidacy marks a significant shift in American political representation.

Democratic candidate Ramaswami seeks to represent diverse communities including Johns Creek, Suwanee, Alpharetta, Cumming, Sugar Hill, and Buford in Georgia’s 48th district, focusing on community service. 

He faces Republican incumbent Shawn Still, whose involvement in controversial events linked to the 2020 election events makes the race more complex.

Ramaswami was born to immigrant parents from Tamil Nadu and reflects a fusion of Indian heritage and American values, WION reported.

“I’m the child of immigrants, but I was born and raised in Johns Creek,” the 24-year-old Senate candidate told The Stanford Daily. “For a long time, I was interested in how I could give back to my community. I didn’t want to stay in the Bay. I wanted to come and give back.”

“I have strong ties. 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 added.

Ramaswami, despite his age and political inexperience, has chosen to engage in politics to tackle societal issues like education, job creation, healthcare access, and public safety.

Ramaswami, if successful, would become Georgia’s first Generation Z State Senator and first Indian-American to serve in the state legislature, showcasing inclusive representation and forward-thinking leadership in US politics.