Ranjeev Puri makes history as first Indian-American elected Michigan House Speaker

Indian-American lawmaker Ranjeev Puri is set to take charge of the Michigan House of Representatives for the 2027-28 legislative term, becoming the first person of Indian origin to hold the position.Puri, a Democrat representing Canton, was elected Speaker by his party colleagues on Thursday as Democrats prepared to take control of the 110-member chamber with a 63-47 majority. The party's victory also gives Democrats control of the state's governorship and Senate, creating a Democratic trifecta.Taking to Facebook after the leadership election, the 42-year-old said he was looking forward to working with the incoming state leadership to fulfil campaign promises.

“Today, I’m humbled to be elected by my colleagues as Speaker of the Michigan House,” he wrote. “Thank you to my colleagues for your trust.

Excited to get to work.”Puri also spoke about the significance of his achievement for his family, whose roots lie in Punjab. “When my parents immigrated to this country, they couldn’t have imagined their son would one day make history, break barriers and lead the Michigan House.