Indian-origin Texas State House candidate Pooja Sethi has ignited a fierce online debate after responding to a post by TPUSA commentator and reporter Savanah Hernandez, who appeared to mock her candidacy.Hernandez took to X to share an image of Sethi’s campaign banner, writing, “Welcome to politics in Texas:” She added that the Democrat candidate is campaigning for “gun reform,” abortion rights and previously worked as an immigration attorney for Catholic Charities.Sethi responded sharply, pushing back against what she described as an attack on her identity. In a strongly worded reply, she said her heritage is not an insult but her story. One that was rooted in “hard work, faith in this country and service to our community.” “My heritage isn’t an insult. It’s my story. And like millions of Americans, it’s rooted in hard work, faith in this country, and service to our community. If that bothers you, that says more about you than it does about me,” wrote Sethi. The exchange quickly drew widespread attention. While many users praised Sethi’s response, others echoed Hernandez’s criticism, with some comments veering into anti-Indian-American rhetoric. One user wrote, “Please Don’t Pooja Our Texas!” Pooja Sethi, is a candidate for the Texas State House from House District 47. She served as the Chief of Staff to Texas State Representative Vikki Goodwin and is the Chair of the Travis County Democratic Party. Before stepping into politics, she worked as an immigration attorney with Catholic Charities. A mom and wife, she resides in House District 47 and is campaigning for fully funded public education, timely healthcare, tackling the climate crisis and neighbourhood safety. Hernandez’s post mirrors a rising rhetoric in American society where Indian-origin members are being trolled online, criticised for “replacing” American workers and “taking over” the country. This comes along with an increased scrutiny of the H-1B visa program and rise of Indian-American public figures such as New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani and Second Lady Usha Vance.
