ICYMI: The Impact Fund and SAATH Fund Host “Light Up the Vote” Diwali Rally with Abdul El-Sayed, Secretary Jocelyn Benson, and Leader Ranjeev Puri

Westland, MI — On Friday night, hundreds of South Asian Michiganders gathered in Westland for Light Up the Vote, a Diwali rally hosted by The Impact Fund and SAATH, four days before Election Day. Community members garlanded the elected leaders on stage, and together they lit a diya in celebration of Diwali.

Michigan’s last U.S. Senate race was decided by about 19,000 votes, and nearly 30,000 registered South Asian voters sat out the 2022 midterms. With nearly 190,000 South Asian residents statewide, South Asian Michiganders can be the margin of victory this November, amid an unprecedented rise in hate targeting South Asians.

Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, spoke alongside Secretary Jocelyn Benson, Democratic nominee for Governor, Michigan House Democratic Leader Ranjeev Puri, Ann Arbor City Council Member Ayesha Ghazi Edwin, and Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval. Songwriter, actress, and activist Ari Afsar emceed, and community members across faiths took the stage. 

The celebration included a performance by the University of Michigan Wolveraas, a South Asian vendor market, and a kids’ corner. 

From left, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, Ann Arbor City Council Member Ayesha Ghazi Edwin, Secretary Jocelyn Benson, Democratic nominee for Governor, and Michigan House Democratic Leader Ranjeev Puri wear flower garlands after lighting a diya at Light Up the Vote in Westland, Michigan, on October 30, 2026.

Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, lights a diya at Light Up the Vote in Westland, Michigan, on October 30, 2026.

U.S. Senate Democratic Nominee Dr. Abdul El-Sayed said: “Let us have the courage to light up the rooms we walk into. Let us have the courage to lift up our voice and light our light at the ballot box. Let us have the courage to be inspired by what we believe in our children, understanding that everybody feels the same way when they look at their kids coming together to build a movement that’s best for all of our kids, regardless of where they are. Let us have that, and this Diwali, wishing you a happy, blessed holiday. I am so grateful to be here to commemorate with you. I’m honored to be welcomed into the community.”

Michigan Secretary of State and Democratic Nominee for Governor Jocelyn Benson said: “This election is our opportunity to put more money in your pockets and well-paying jobs in your communities. It’s an opportunity to elect leaders who believe that the power of the people must always be greater than the people in power…Let’s celebrate the festival of lights next week and look forward to a bright future for our whole state.”

Michigan House Democratic Leader Ranjeev Puri said: “Diwali teaches us that light wins over darkness. But let’s also remember that a diya doesn’t light itself. Someone has to strike the match. … Voting is striking the match to light the diya. A Senate seat, the governor’s office, and the state House majority are all on the line, and this community can decide all three.”

Chintan Patel, Executive Director of Impact, said: “Diwali is a little over a week away, and its promise is simple: the dark does not get the last word. … I am a Hindu American and an Indian immigrant, and I am proud to say I support a Muslim American, the son of Egyptian immigrants, for the United States Senate. … The family in the next seat wants what your family wants. Politics that can’t be bought. A paycheck that stretches. A doctor they can afford. To walk into their place of worship and feel safe. That’s what unites us.”

Rohan Soni, founder of SAATH, said: “We’ve come here tonight as a celebration of Diwali. A testament to the fight of good over evil. To all the South Asian voters here today, you can be the light that guides us out of this darkness.”

Community partners included Hindus for Abdul, Umeed, Emgage MI, The Michigan College Democrats, 99 Coalition, AAPI Victory Fund, Hindus for Human Rights Action, Democratic Bangladeshi Caucus, Go Grow Playrooms, and People’s Coalition.

For additional pictures and videos, please contact sarah@iaimpact.org

###

About The Impact Fund

Since its inception in 2016, the Impact Fund, the affiliated PAC of Indian American Impact, has endorsed and supported 200+ candidates across the country, contributing to the historic rise of Indian and South Asian American representation in politics. Through strategic investments and grassroots organizing, Impact has marshaled upwards of $20 million to candidates and robust voter mobilization and policy advocacy efforts, amplifying the voices of South Asian Americans and driving positive change in communities nationwide.

About SAATH Fund

Founded in 2024, SAATH is a student-led South Asian Youth Civic organization focused on educating, elevating, and electing the next generation of South Asian changemakers.  SAATH fund is the affiliated PAC of SAATH. Through an active digital presence which has reached over millions of accounts, a robust fellowship training program with 75+ graduates, and event programming with candidates of all levels and localities, SAATH is actively involved in building a generation of South Asians that is civically engaged.

For Immediate Release:
October 31, 2026

Contact: 
Sarah Shah | sarah@iaimpact.org