NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Seattle, WA, August 6, 2026: Indian American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal has advanced to the November general election after finishing among the top two vote-getters in Washington state’s Aug. 4 congressional primary, keeping her on track for another term representing Seattle-based Congressional District 7.
Washington uses a top-two primary system, in which the two candidates receiving the most votes advance to the general election regardless of party affiliation.
Jayapal, a Democrat who has represented the district since 2017, will face Republican Nirav Shethin the Nov. 3 general election.
Sheth, who was born and raised in India, came to the United States in 2008 to study computer and electrical engineering. He served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps as an aircraft mechanic and military police officer before joining the Lakewood Police Department in 2017. He later became managing partner of Bistro Baffi Italian Restaurant and a business owner in Pierce County. Sheth previously ran for Congress in Washington’s 10th District in 2024 before entering the race for the 7th District this year.
The primary field also included Democrat Gwen Kirkland and David W. Blomstrom of the Fifth Republic Party.
The 7th Congressional District, which includes most of Seattle and surrounding communities, is considered one of the most Democratic districts in the country. Political analysts rate the seat as safely Democratic, making Jayapal the clear favorite heading into November.
Jayapal, who was first elected to Congress in 2016, is one of the most prominent Indian American lawmakers on Capitol Hill. She serves as a leading voice in the Congressional Progressive Caucus and has been an outspoken advocate on issues including immigration, healthcare, labor rights, and civil liberties.
Her primary victory comes at a time when Indian American representation in Congress has faced setbacks elsewhere. Earlier this week, Michigan Congressman Shri Thanedar lost his Democratic primary, making Jayapal’s advancement an important bright spot for the community ahead of the general election.
If re-elected in November, Jayapal would continue serving Washington’s 7th District for another two-year term.
Nirav Sheth’s photo courtesy: Nirav Sheth campaign website.
