‘My heritage is not an insult’: Indian-American Texas candidate fires back at reporter over ridicule | World News

Indian-American Texas House candidate Pooja Sethi sparked a heated debate online after she responded to a post by TPUSA commentator and journalist Savanah Hernandez, who appeared to mock her candidacy.Hernandez shared an image of Sisi’s campaign banner onSisi responded sharply, pushing back on what she said was an attack on her identity. In a strongly worded reply, she said her heritage was not an insult but her story. This philosophy is rooted in “hard work, belief in this country and service to our communities.” “My heritage is not an insult. It is my story. Like millions of Americans, it is rooted in hard work, faith in this country, and service to our communities. If this bothers you, it says more about you than me,” Sethi wrote. The exchange quickly attracted 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 pray for our Texas!”Pooja Sethi is a candidate for the Texas House of Representatives from House District 47. She served as chief of staff to Texas Rep. Vikki Goodwin and chair of the Travis County Democratic Party. Before entering politics, she worked as an immigration attorney for Catholic Charities. As a mother and wife, she lives in the 47th District and works for fully funded public education, timely health care, combating the climate crisis, and community safety. Hernandez’s post reflects a growing rhetoric in American society, where members of Indian descent are under attack online and criticized for “replacing” American workers and “taking over” the country. This comes amid increased scrutiny of the H-1B visa program and the rise of Indian-American public figures such as the New York City mayor Zoran Mamdani and second lady Usha Vance.