Priya Sundareshan becomes Arizona Senate president, creates new history

Indian-origin leader Priya Sundareshan has created new history in the US state of Arizona. Democratic lawmakers have unanimously appointed her as the head of their state Senate. She has become the first personality from the Indian community across the entire United States to hold this position.

A 42-year-old from the Tucson area, Sundareshan has been elected as a state senator three times so far. Currently, she is shouldering the responsibility as the leader of the opposition within the Senate. She will formally take over the reins of the upper house next January when the new government begins its functioning.

The Democratic Party registered a massive success during the elections concluded on November 3 last. For the first time since the year 1992, Democrats have established dominance in Arizona's upper house. Along with this, this will be the first time in the last six decades that the management of both the governor's office and the Senate will come into the hands of Democrats.

As Senate president, Priya Sundareshan will play a crucial role in framing state laws and determining policies. After her appointment, she said that the residents of the state have sidelined radical politics and adopted a new path of progress.

She further stated that during her leadership of the minority party, her team achieved major milestones and now they are fully prepared to take the state forward.

Key developments

• Indian-origin Priya Sundareshan was unanimously elected as Arizona Senate President.
• She became the first Indian-American to become the head of a Senate in any US state.
• The Democratic Party won a majority in the Arizona Senate for the first time since 1992.