In a politically charged election year, Ashwin Ramaswami, a 24-year-old Democrat and cybersecurity expert, has launched a campaign to unseat Georgia state Sen. Shawn Still, a Republican who faces indictment charges alongside former President Donald Trump for allegedly trying to overturn the 2020 election results.
Ramaswami, who has spent the past three years working with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to protect elections from hackers, has pivoted to tackle what he perceives as a more insidious threat to American democracy. “The biggest threat to our election security — it’s not just hackers hacking into our systems. It’s politicians falsely claiming that the election is rigged when it’s not,” Ramaswami stated in an interview, shedding light on his motivation to run for office.
In stark contrast to his opponent, Still, who was indicted last year on seven charges, including racketeering, Ramaswami offers a fresh perspective with a promise to represent the evolving demographic of his district, which has seen a substantial increase in its Asian population. Still, who pleaded not guilty, highlighted his bipartisan efforts and pro-business policies but did not respond directly to questions about catering to the Asian community, which now comprises 28% of the district.
Capitalizing on his roots in the community and his computer science background, Ramaswami aims to become the youngest Indian American legislator in the U.S. and the youngest senator in Georgia’s Legislature if elected. His campaign has already garnered $185,000, including $50,000 from his own resources.
His bid for the seat has been endorsed by Leaders We Deserve, a PAC that supports young progressive candidates. Co-founder David Hogg praised Ramaswami as “a great candidate with an amazing story.” Moreover, prominent Democratic leaders like Georgia Democratic Caucus Chair Sen. Elena Parent and former Sen. Jason Carter have voiced their support, highlighting his readiness to lead and his passionate vision for Georgia.
Ramaswami has already begun to shift his focus to the general election, launching a digital video to introduce himself as a Gen Z engineer and accusing Still of trying to steal Georgians’ votes. He emphasizes that there is too much at stake to be sidetracked by election deniers and partisan extremists.
“My parents both came to the US in the 1990s. They both came from Tamil Nadu. My mom is from Chennai, my dad is from Coimbatore. I’ve always grown up with Indian culture and also American culture growing up as well. I’m a Hindu. I’ve been very interested in Indian culture philosophy my whole life,” he said in another interview with PTI.
As the sole Democratic candidate on the primary ballot, Ramaswami is not only campaigning for a seat in the Georgia State Senate but also representing a broader ideological battle within the American political landscape, one that pits youthful innovation and integrity against established and currently challenged incumbency.
Relevant articles:
– This Gen Z Democrat quit his job protecting elections to run against a fake elector
– Ashwin Ramaswami launches bid for Georgia State Senate, The American Bazaar, Thu, 21 Mar 2024 16:31:27 GMT
– From Daily offices to State Senate: Ashwin Ramaswami ’21 challenges Republican incumbent in Georgia, The Stanford Daily, Thu, 15 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT
– Meet Ashwin Ramaswami, first Gen Z Indian-American Democrat vying for Georgia Senate seat, WION, Tue, 20 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT