At victory party, Maryland’s Lt. Governor-Elect Aruna Miller makes emotional speech, thanks family, supporters

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Baltimore, Maryland: On November 8, 2022, Aruna Miller not only made history as the first Indian-American elected as the Lt. Gov of Maryland, but also achieved the rare distinction as the first Indian-American to ever hold this position in any State in the nation.

“Maryland, tonight you showed the nation what a small but mighty state can do when democracy is on the ballot. You chose unity over division, expanding rights over restricting rights, hope over fear. You chose Wes Moore and me to be your next Governor and Lieutenant Governor,” Miller declared at a euphoric gathering at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront on election night.

She recalled her arrival in the US, “I will never forget that first day when I came to this country. It was February 1972, and I was seven years old. I’m in my dad’s arms and stepped off the airplane. And I looked into the airport, which would look much like this room today because of the sea of individuals and I thought holy moly I love this country,” said Miller. “Look at all these people waiting for my dad and I to arrive in this country. And I got really excited when I thought they were throwing confetti. Turned out it wasn’t confetti; it was snow and I’d never seen snow in my entire life,” she joked.

Miller spoke about the Moore-Miller agenda which will seek to be more inclusive and ensure that Marylanders feel safe in their communities and in their skin.

On the campaign trail she said, the candidates met supporters and those who had different perspectives. “I remember someone coming up to me and saying, hey, you know your ticket doesn’t look like a normal ticket. And I said really? How’s that? And he said you know two people of color on a ticket, and I said you know you’re right, Wes Moore and I are rather colorful people,” she chuckled.

While nobody gets to decide their race, skin color, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, and abilities when they’re born, she said, “But what you get to decide is how we live our lives so we can improve the lives of others.”

In an emotional moment, she thanked her parents. “Mom, you and Dad missed everything so you can make anything possible for your kids.”

Looking at her daughters Meena, Chloe, and Sasha, Miller said “To my three beautiful daughters the greatest privilege of my life has been to be your mommy.”

She also addressed her husband, David Miller, “Every day, you choose to empower our daughters, my mom, and me rather than centering (on) yourself. I’m so glad that I get to travel the universe with you.”

During his address, Maryland Governor-elect, Moore who also created history as the first Black Governor, said he’s humbled and ready to become the 63^rd Governor of of the state. “When I look across this room tonight, what we see right here is – we see Maryland. We see people from all backgrounds, all walks of life, and from all income levels. We see teachers, we see small business owners. We see nurses. We see union members.”

He called himself “lucky” to have Miller as an “amazing” campaign partner. “Aruna it’s an absolute honor to go on this journey with you… And I’ll tell you what, as you said we’re just getting started.”

Majority Whip in Maryland State Senate, Senator Susan Lee told News India Times, “Aruna has created history. This is a wonderful breakthrough for South Asian and Asian American communities. She’s going to bring her experience as a legislator and as an engineer to the Office of the Lt. Governor. This is a victory for all communities.”

“I am thrilled to see Wes and Aruna not only win but receive a mandate from Marylanders for change and progress,” SVP for Academic Affairs, Montgomery College, Maryland, Sanjay Rai told News India Times.