A second generation immigrant, whose Tamil parents migrated to the US in the 90s, could become the first Indian-American State Senator in District 48 of Georgia.

Ashwin Ramaswami, a software engineer at 24, is set to be the first Gen Z Indian-American Senator in Georgia, if elected. A native of Georgia, Ramaswami did his undergraduate degree in computer science at Stanford University. He also has a degree in law, which makes him the only Georgia state legislator with both the degrees.

Ramaswami, a Democrat, says everyone must have access to equal opportunities and privileges just like he had while growing up. His experience in startups, where he worked for a significant period, taught him the importance of cybersecurity and election security in the government. He joined the federal government just to contribute on the tech front. Since then, he has been actively engaged with state and local election offices, in turn securing the elections of 2020 and 2022. He has also worked with non-profits and small businesses to tap technology for job creation. Ramaswami’s career primarily revolves around technology, policy research, and law.

He says he is very interested in Indian philosophy and culture, the reason being his roots in Tamil Nadu. His parents gave him exposure to the fundamentals of Hindu religion because of which he learnt Sanskrit. Yoga and meditation are his other interests.

As the voice of Gen Z today, Ramaswami says his generation is politically aware and keen on a stable future, considering the challenges they have to cope with – socially and politically. Instead of the wealthy or senior people making a difference, those like him who are young with little resources can actually bring a change when elected, he says.

Ramaswami believes in himself. He wants to not just be a voice but also show how much he can do for his people and the country.