Indian American Kannan Srinivasan sworn in as the Virginia State Senator

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Kannan Srinivasan, accompanied by his wife Jayashree Sreenivasan, being sworn in by Clerk of Virginia Senate Susan Clarke Schaar on January 15, 2025 in Richmond, Virginia. Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears also see in the picture. PHOTO: Kannan Srinivasan

Indian American Kannan Srinivasan was sworn in as the Virginia State Senator for Senate District 32, on January 15, 2025, in Richmond, Virginia. In 2024, Srinivasan made history as the first Indian American immigrant elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, representing House District 26.

During the recent special election, Srinivasan secured the Senate seat following its vacancy created by the election of Virginia State Senator Suhas Subramanyam to the U.S. House of Representatives.

During the oath of office, administered by Clerk of Virginia Senate Susan Clarke Schaar, Srinivasan was accompanied by his wife, Jayashree Sreenivasan. He held the Bhagavad Gita and the Naalayira Divya Prabandham during the oath ceremony as family and friends cheered in celebration.

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Senator Srinivasan told South Asian Herald, “I am deeply honored to be sworn in as the Senator for District 32, representing the vibrant and diverse community of Eastern Loudoun County. This moment is a testament to the collective efforts of my supporters and the trust my constituents have placed in me—I am truly grateful for the opportunity to continue my service.”

He underscored that it is with “great humility” and a “profound sense of responsibility,” that he steps into this new role, ready to advocate for the needs of my constituents.

“Now, more than ever, we must focus on the issues that matter most—ensuring access to quality affordable healthcare, protecting reproductive rights, investing in education, advocating for gun safety reform, ensuring that our economy works for all and cutting down costs,” he added. “I am committed to fighting for Loudoun families and all Virginians, working collaboratively with my colleagues to deliver meaningful solutions that improve the lives of our communities. Let’s get to work.”

VA Congressman Suhas Subramanyam, from 10th Congressional District, told South Asian Herald, “Kannan Srinivasan is a thoughtful legislator who had shown a lifelong commitment to public service. I’m very excited to see what he accomplishes in the State Senate.”

Democratic Caucus Chair Senator Mamie Locke, who introduced Senator Srinivasan on the Senate floor on January 16th, highlighted his inspiring journey from India to Loudoun County, describing it as a remarkable embodiment of the American dream. “Senator Srinivasan is the son of two public school teachers, and his journey exemplifies the values we strive to uphold in this Chamber,” she said.

Reflecting on her personal connection with him, she said “I had the pleasure of meeting him several years ago, and we had an interesting discussion about civil rights leaders and their impact on his life, particularly James Lawson and Martin Luther King.”

Senator Locke expressed that after immigrating to the United States in 1992 to pursue his education at Old Dominion University, Senator Srinivasan soon “encountered the complexities and challenges of the American healthcare system.” She also emphasized that he brings “passion, dedication, and a results-driven approach,” to advocating for his constituents.

She further said, “Two deeply personal experiences, his own recovery after being hit by a truck and his wife Jayashree, undergoing lifesaving surgery profoundly shaped his passion for health care reform, ultimately leading to his appointment to the state Medicaid board, where he served under Governors McAuliffe, Northam and as Chair under Governor Youngkin.”

Virginia House Delegate from House District 26, JJ Singh, told South Asian Herald“I am so proud to have Kannan as my Senator in the Virginia General Assembly. His story of perseverance, his thoroughness as a legislator, and his kindness set him apart. I got a little emotional seeing him sworn in. He will do big things for our country.”

(Used under special arrangement with SAH)