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April 25, 2026 | NYT: Democrats Weigh Whether a Lawmaker’s Ethnicity Counts More Than Ideology

Nov. 6, 2025 | CNN: New York’s Mayor is India’s Pride - and a fierce critic of the country’s leader

Nov. 4, 2025 | RNS: Inside Zohran Mamdani's bid to win over religious New Yorkers

press releases

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press releases *

  • Washington, D.C. (April 30, 2026) ─ Hindus for Human Rights Action (HfHR Action) today announced their endorsement of Brad Lander to represent New York’s 10th district in the United States House of Representatives. Lander will fight for a just and livable future for all, and fight back against the Trump administration’s disastrous and dangerous agenda. 

    “Hindus for Human Rights is proud to endorse Brad Lander to represent NY-10 in Congress. Brad is a longtime ally and partner to progressive Hindus and South Asians in the fight for democracy and justice in New York and abroad, and will be an incredible champion for working families, immigrants, and all communities in New York. Brad has more than talked about change—he has literally put his body on the line to protect his immigrant neighbors being kidnapped by ICE thugs, he has taken on corporations who work to scam consumers, and he has demonstrated a commitment to a pluralistic, interfaith and multiracial democracy with strong bonds that will stand resilient against the forces that seek to divide us based on religion, race, and class. In Congress, Brad will be an ardent champion for democracy here and in South Asia, pushing for a progressive foreign policy that prioritizes peace instead of war, and diplomacy instead of destruction. We look forward to working with Brad in this mission and support Brad as he does all he can to deliver for New Yorkers.”

    “Hindus for Human Rights Action is building a movement rooted in values of peace and justice to strengthen our democracy against the forces of right-wing extremism everywhere,” said Brad Lander, “In a moment where cynics seek to pit communities against each other, Hindus for Human Rights Action charts a different path, uniting traditions and moving from the conviction that our fight must be as broad and as diverse as the communities we are fighting for. I am privileged to have their support as we build exactly that kind of coalition in NY-10 and beyond.”

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  • Washington, D.C. (April 30, 2026) ─ Hindus for Human Rights Action (HfHR Action) today announced their endorsement of Adem Bunkeddeko for New York State Comptroller.

    “Adem Bunkeddeko is a champion for the people of New York. He will fight to make sure that public funds actually go towards benefiting the public good. As comptroller, Adem would work to make life easier for millions of New Yorkers, investing in the everyday lives of communities across the state and fighting to make the economy work for working families. An ardent supporter of civil and human rights, Adem will exemplify the values of HfHR Action—peace, justice, and truth—as he works to build a New York that is transparent, just, and works for everyone.”

    “I’m honored to receive the support of Hindus for Human Rights, an organization that stands firmly for pluralism, dignity, and justice. Their grassroots work reflects the best of our shared values, standing up to hate and building a society rooted in freedom and respect,” said Adem Bunkeddeko. “That’s the spirit of this campaign. We’re building a grassroots movement to make New York more affordable and more just, especially for marginalized communities of color who have been too often left behind. I’m proud to stand alongside Hindus for Human Rights in that work.”

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  • Washington (March 23, 2026) ─ Hindus for Human Rights Action (HfHR Action) released the following statement following last Tuesday’s primary elections in Illinois. HfHR Action endorsed Congresswoman Delia Ramirez for IL-03 and Junaid Ahmed for IL-08. HfHR Action also joined the Illinois Against MAGA coalition against the election of Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi to represent Illinois in the United States Senate.

    “HfHR Action congratulates Delia Ramirez on her re-election to represent Illinois’ third congressional district in the United States House of Representatives. Congresswoman Ramirez has been a staunch voice against hate and religious nationalism across the world. From her leadership on the Block the Bombs Act to her defense of immigrants being kidnapped by ICE, Delia will continue to be a champion for our communities, for democracy, and for human rights in the United States and around the globe.”

    “Though the results in Illinois’ eighth district were not what we had hoped for, we are grateful for the hard-fought campaign led by Junaid Ahmed. AIPAC and other dark money, corporate, right wing megadonors tipped the scales in this race but Junaid fought hard, building a strong, wide-reaching campaign that stood up for the values that HfHR Action holds close. He fought for peace, justice, and truth, promising to stand against caste discrimination, Hindu nationalism, the genocide in Gaza, ICE kidnapping our neighbors, and to fight for our democracy as Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans dismantle our own. We look forward to working with Junaid to continue this battle, and thank him for his dedication to his community and to the people of IL-08.


    “We are also glad to see that the voters of Illinois voted with their values, rejected Raja Krishnamoorthi’s bid to represent them in the United States Senate, and in turn rejected a coalition of right wing, MAGA-aligned forces. But we know the fight is far from over. Hindu supremacist donors will flood elections with money at the cost of Hindu American civil rights. Our job is to make sure our voices drown out their dollars.”

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  • Ahmed will serve as bold champion for progress, pluralism, and peace

    Washington, D.C. (February 20, 2026) ─ Hindus for Human Rights Action (HfHR Action) today announced their endorsement of Junaid Ahmed to represent Illinois’ 8th district in the United States Congress. Junaid has been a staunch advocate against hate and for an inclusive coalition for democracy.

    “Junaid Ahmed is absolutely the right person to represent Illinois’ 8th district in Congress. He has demonstrated that he will be a strong, progressive champion for every community, and will deliver real results for working families in Illinois. As Hindu Americans fighting for peace and justice in the United States and abroad, Junaid’s commitment to protecting human rights in South Asia, his stand against the genocide in Palestine, and his promise to take on corporate interests here in the U.S. demonstrate that he is unafraid to speak truth to power. While our democracy is under attack, we need bold leaders who are willing to fight for marginalized people, working class people, and for freedom everywhere. We are proud to endorse Junaid Ahmed for Congress and look forward to working with him to fight for justice from Illinois to India.”

    “I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of Hindus for Human Rights Action. At a time when too many politicians try to divide us by faith or background, this endorsement is a powerful reminder that our campaign is rooted in shared values — compassion, justice, and dignity for all people. Hindus for Human Rights Action understands that standing up for human rights, opposing hate in all its forms, and pursuing diplomacy over endless war are not partisan positions, they are moral ones. I’m proud to stand alongside them in building a movement that reflects the best of our communities and fights for peace, equality, and opportunity for every family in Illinois’ 8th District,” said Junaid Ahmed.

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  • Mamdani campaign brought together South Asian New Yorkers from all backgrounds, faiths, castes

    Washington, D.C. (November 5, 2025) ─ Hindus for Human Rights Action (HfHR Action) today congratulated Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani’s victory in the New York City Mayoral election. Mamdani ran on a platform to lower costs for New Yorkers and transform the city into one in which people can afford to live, feel safe and secure, and thrive instead of just make ends meet. HfHR Action was proud to endorse Mamdani as the only candidate in the race who showed he was ready to take on Trump’s authoritarian agenda, fight for the dignity and safety of all people, and who was steadfast in their commitment to civil and human rights in the U.S. and abroad. In the face of a barrage of Islamophobia and racism, often coming from Hindu nationalist sources in India and the US, HfHR Action felt it was urgent to support Mamdani.


    “Zohran Mamdani has demonstrated that he will fight for all New Yorkers and stand for the rights of all South Asian communities in the city, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or caste. Mamdani has energized South Asian Americans, including Hindu Americans, to fight for a democracy they believe in. HfHR Action is ready to work with Mamdani to build a better New York for Hindu New Yorkers and all of the city’s residents,” said a spokesperson for the organization.

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  • Washington, D.C. (April 30, 2026) ─ Hindus for Human Rights Action (HfHR Action) today announced their endorsement of Vichal Kumar to represent New York’s 7th district in the United States House of Representatives. Vichal is a proud, progressive South Asian who will fight for all communities across Brooklyn and Queens.

    “Vichal Kumar is a dedicated public servant and an exemplary progressive South Asian who will fight for our communities and all communities being attacked, vilified, and left behind by public figures and our political system at large. Vichal is a vocal champion for civil liberties and human rights here at home and abroad. He talks the talk and walks the walk, defending his community and fighting battles against a broken system alongside his neighbors in NY-07. HfHR Action is proud to endorse Vichal as he seeks to represent New Yorkers—working class, immigrant, everyday New Yorkers—-in the United States Congress. Hindu Americans deserve a champion for dignity and a better future, and we are confident that Vichal would carry out that mission and fight for justice, peace, and truth every single day.”

    “I'm honored to have earned the endorsement of Hindus for Human Rights Action. Their commitment to equity and their recognition of how our communities and issues intersect are values that have shaped my career and define our campaign. They represent the commitments that so many Hindu Americans have been waiting to see organized,” said Vichal Kumar. “For 20 years as a public defender, I've stood with the families this system was built to ignore, fighting for recognition, equity and fundamental rights. I'm proud to take zero corporate money and run a community-based campaign that fights for all of us.”

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  • Washington, D.C. (April 30, 2026) ─ Hindus for Human Rights Action (HfHR Action) today announced their endorsement of Raj Goyle for New York State Comptroller.

    “Raj Goyle will do everything in his power to fight for the people of New York. Working families need a champion, and Raj will make sure the people’s money actually goes to making people’s lives better. As corporate, right-wing forces seek to divide and manipulate us, Raj will fight corruption, take on special interests, and ensure transparency in the state’s finances. And, as foreign actors seek to influence our political system, Raj will make sure New Yorkers’ money doesn’t go towards funding atrocities abroad, but gets invested back into the state. We know that Raj will represent the values of HfHR Action, and work for all New Yorkers.”

    “In New York, our diversity isn't just a slogan—it’s the engine of our economy and the soul of our democracy. We cannot champion civil rights and equality here at home while remaining silent about the rise of Hindu nationalism, an ideology that threatens the same pluralistic values we fight for in the Empire State. When we allow sectarian division to take root, whether abroad or in our own neighborhoods, we undermine the very inclusion that has allowed our community to thrive and lead. As New York State’s next Comptroller, I will be a leader that unites the people of this state around our shared American ideals, ensuring that hate and religious extremism never find a foothold in our halls of power,” said Raj Goyle.

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  • Orkin will advance justice and equity for communities in Queens

    Washington, D.C. (March 5, 2026) ─ Hindus for Human Rights Action (HfHR Action) today announced their endorsement of David Orkin for New York’s 38th State Assembly District. David is a dedicated public servant who will fight for a livable and dignified future for Queens’ diverse, working class communities.

    “David Orkin is a committed organizer who will fight for the rights of Queens residents, no matter their background. His experience in the labor movement and as an immigration attorney demonstrate that he will be a great advocate for the rights of marginalized communities, in Albany. As progressive Hindus, we resonate deeply with David’s commitment to advancing justice and human rights, and fighting against the rise of ethnonationalism in both the Jewish and Hindu communities. We are proud to endorse David to represent the 38th Assembly District in the New York State Assembly, and look forward to working with him to advance pro-worker, pro-human rights, and pro-peace policies for all New Yorkers.”


    “I'm honored to receive the endorsement of Hindus for Human Rights Action, and proud to continue our shared work to secure equal rights, reject bigotry, and oppose ethnonationalism in our respective religious communities,” said David Orkin. “We know that whether it's Zionism or Hindutva, a system that gives one group more rights than another is incompatible with lasting peace. Together, we're building a campaign that promotes dignity for all in AD-38 and beyond!”

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  • Mamdani campaign brought together South Asian New Yorkers from all backgrounds, faiths, castes

    Washington, D.C. (November 5, 2025) ─ Hindus for Human Rights Action (HfHR Action) today congratulated Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani’s victory in the New York City Mayoral election. Mamdani ran on a platform to lower costs for New Yorkers and transform the city into one in which people can afford to live, feel safe and secure, and thrive instead of just make ends meet. HfHR Action was proud to endorse Mamdani as the only candidate in the race who showed he was ready to take on Trump’s authoritarian agenda, fight for the dignity and safety of all people, and who was steadfast in their commitment to civil and human rights in the U.S. and abroad. In the face of a barrage of Islamophobia and racism, often coming from Hindu nationalist sources in India and the US, HfHR Action felt it was urgent to support Mamdani.


    “Zohran Mamdani has demonstrated that he will fight for all New Yorkers and stand for the rights of all South Asian communities in the city, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or caste. Mamdani has energized South Asian Americans, including Hindu Americans, to fight for a democracy they believe in. HfHR Action is ready to work with Mamdani to build a better New York for Hindu New Yorkers and all of the city’s residents,” said a spokesperson for the organization.

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  • Washington, D.C. (April 30, 2026) ─ Hindus for Human Rights Action (HfHR Action) today announced their endorsement of Claire Valdez to represent New York’s 7th district in the United States House of Representatives. Claire Valdez fights for working families in the State Assembly, and would continue to be a vocal champion for her community in Congress.

    “Claire Valdez will be a fighter for Brooklyn and Queens’ diverse, working class, and immigrant communities in Congress. As a union organizer, Claire knows the importance of building power and putting the people first. Claire is a champion of human rights globally, and knows that our tax dollars are better spent here, improving the lives of our communities, instead of being spent abroad for endless wars. HfHR Action is proud to endorse Claire as she seeks to represent NY-07 in Congress and with Claire, Hindu and South Asian New Yorkers would have a representative who will fight for their rights—their right to organize, their right to safety and security and their right to live a dignified life. Claire will put people over profit and be a voice for the many.”

    “I'm proud to earn Hindus for Human Rights Action's endorsement. Fascism promises easy answers in hard times by pitting working people against each other, and it always ends up serving the wealthy and powerful, not the rest of us. Fighting it at home means standing against every form of supremacy, and fighting it abroad means engaging governments as partners in human rights, not chess pieces for US imperialism. As a Congress member, I will work with South Asian communities to build solidarity across our differences -- because that's what makes us strong,” said Claire Valdez.

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  • El-Sayed is committed to building a progressive foreign policy and a brighter future for all

    Washington, D.C. (April 14, 2026) ─ Hindus for Human Rights Action (HfHR Action) today announced their endorsement of Abdul El-Sayed to represent Michigan in the United States Senate. This endorsement is HFHR Action’s first endorsement in a Senate race this cycle. El-Sayed has demonstrated a strong commitment to upholding human rights, advocating for pluralism, democracy, and justice in the United States, South Asia, and around the world.

    “Abdul El-Sayed will be a powerful voice for human rights, democracy, and a just and progressive foreign policy in the United States Senate. Throughout his campaign, Abdul has shown that he will be a fighter, not just a follower, as he takes on corporate interests and powerful lobbies, and as he champions the dignity and human rights of all communities in Michigan and across the country. HfHR Action is proud to support Abdul as he fights for justice for everyone—from immigrant communities to working families—and fights against religious nationalism, bigotry, and division. We are confident that as autocratic leaders around the world work to dismantle democracy, religious freedom, and human rights, Abdul will be a leader who will proudly exhibit our values of peace, justice, and truth as he delivers for Michiganders. As Hindu Americans, we need strong allies in the movement against Hindu nationalism and we know Abdul will help carry our mission forward. We look forward to working with him to build a brighter future for all.”

    “I’m honored to have earned the endorsement of Hindus for Human Rights Action. Their work reflects a powerful commitment to pluralism, equity and the advancement of human rights. I’m grateful for the time I’ve been able to spend with Michigan’s Hindu communities throughout this campaign and beyond. As a father raising Indian-American daughters, I carry a personal stake in the kind of future we’re building together. I’m proud to stand with those who are committed to confronting exclusion and instead champion the advancement of dignity for all people,” said El-Sayed.

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  • Jayapal is a consistent champion for human rights in South Asia

    Washington, D.C. (February 19, 2026) ─ Hindus for Human Rights Action (HfHR Action) today announced their endorsement of Pramila Jayapal for re-election to represent Washington’s 7th district in the United States Congress. Congresswoman Jayapal has been a consistent champion for human rights, advocating for pluralism, democracy, and justice in the United States, South Asia, and around the world.

    “Congresswoman Jayapal has shown a serious and genuine commitment to the advancement of human rights, particularly the rights of religious and ethnic minorities, in South Asia and around the globe. While autocrats launch attacks on democracy, religious freedom, and human rights, we need leaders who will not only reaffirm the values of peace, justice, and truth, but act on them boldly and proudly. As Hindu Americans, we are proud to endorse Congresswoman Jayapal, who has been a staunch Hindu voice against Hindu nationalism and bigotry in all its forms. We look forward to working with her to tackle the challenges posed by the creep of right-wing religious nationalism from the U.S. to India, and to build a progressive foreign policy that seeks to bring about peace.”

    “I am honored to have the support of Hindu Americans who are called toward justice, compassion, and pluralism — not division or hate.” said Congresswoman Jayapal on the endorsement. “Our shared work is about protecting the rights of religious and ethnic minorities, defending democratic institutions, and advancing policy rooted in human rights, dignity, and peace for all people.”

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  • Hindus for Human Rights Action launches progressive Hindu political movement to fight Trump and Hindu nationalism

    Washington, D.C. (November 5, 2025) - As Donald Trump and Republicans launch attacks on immigrant communities, send secret, masked police out to kidnap our friends and neighbors, and chip away at fundamental parts of American democracy, and as Hindu nationalism reshapes politics in India and across the diaspora, Hindu Americans need leadership and a political movement that defends human rights, supports democratic norms, and fights against the forces of right-wing extremism at home and abroad. 


    Progressive Hindu Americans today are launching Hindus for Human Rights Action, an organization that will fight back against Donald Trump’s authoritarianism in the United States, Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalism in India, and uplift Hindu and South Asian American diaspora communities in the United States to build a strong pro-democracy political bloc that will stand for civil and human rights, and against Trump’s and Modi’s right-wing authoritarian forces.


    “We are already transforming the culture of the Hindu diaspora—challenging dominant nationalist narratives, inspiring new generations to embrace inclusive Hindu values, and activating our communities for democracy and civil rights here in the U.S.,” said a spokesperson for the organization.


    With this new platform, Hindus for Human Rights Action will amplify the growing movement of progressive Hindu and South Asian Americans who are sick and tired of a status quo of hate, fear, and division, and who are hungry for democratic reform in India and in the U.S. 

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