California\'s attorney general Kamala Harris is likely to become the first Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) senator in the US Congress, after she got the support of the Democratic Party for the seat. 51 years old Harris and Loretta Sanchez were competing for the approval of their party to replace California Senator Barbara Boxer, who will retire soon.

The Indian-American attorney general won 78% votes of the delegates on Saturday, surpassing the 60% endorsement threshold. The support of Democrats could bring significant financial backing along with the credibility. The show of approval permits the party to spend on her behalf in traditional ways like, phone-banking, mailers, and precinct walks. It also provides Harris the right to use its desired seal of approval in the campaign.

Both competitors Harris and Sanchez are expected to compete with Republicans Tom Del Beccaro and Duf Sundheim in the June. The top two vote-getters will then square off in November.

According to the information, there have been several Indian-American Congressmen in the House of Representatives, including retired member Dalip Singh Saund and Ami Bera.

Harris was born in Oakland. She is the daughter of an Indian mother who emigrated from the Chennai state of India during 1960 and a Jamaican-American father.

Nandini