Indian-American Satveer Chaudhary, who in 1996 became the first Asian-American lawmaker in

Indian-American Satveer Chaudhary, who in 1996 became the first Asian-American lawmaker in the Minnesota House of Representatives, has lost in the primary for the State Senate Seat, which he has represented for a decade.

“I congratulate Barb Goodwin on her victory, and wish her the best in her bid for the Senate,” Chaudhary said in a statement as he conceded the seat to his challenger.

In all, Chaudhary represented his district for 14 years, four years a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives and 10 years as the State Senator.

During his tenure, Chaudhary set a number of electoral milestones. When first elected to the House of Representatives in 1996, he was Minnesota’s first Asian-American legislator.

Just four years later, his election to the Senate made him the state’s first Asian-American Senator, Minnesota’s then-youngest Senator, and the highest ranking Asian-Indian official in the nation.