While Mormons mourn the failure of Mitt Romney to become the first Latter-day Saint in the White House, others are celebrating their own religious firsts.

Hawaii’s Mazie Hirono will become the first Buddhist and the first Asian-American woman in the U.S. Senate. Meanwhile, Tulsi Gabbard, who won her congressional race in Hawaii, will be the first Hindu to join the U.S. House.

Tweet

Recent Posts

• Mormon apostle Oaks honored for his fight for religious freedom
  Published May 17, 2013 06:04PM
• New video shows love Mormon couple have for their gay son
  Published May 14, 2013 03:32PM
• Branch of Mormonism ready to endorse same-sex marriage
  Published May 9, 2013 09:27AM
• More Elizabeth Smart fallout: Should Mormon church change booklet?
  Published May 7, 2013 12:53PM
• Something’s missing from story on Mormon prophets’ moms
  Published May 6, 2013 12:10PM

	Join the Discussion
	Post a Comment

Gabbard is a Democrat and "a practicing Hindu of the Vaishnava tradition," according to a release from the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), and "campaigned on her experience as a former Honolulu city councilwoman and Iraq war veteran."

"That Gabbard won while proudly espousing her Hinduism and voicing a willingness to be a strong voice for Hindu Americans," Aseem Shukla, foundation co-founder and board member, said in a news release, "brings over 2 million Americans into the political landscape for the first time."

Gabbard will replace Hirono in the House.

Peggy Fletcher Stack