SAUND vs. COCHRAN is a documentary about a Sikh American who ran for Congress and won, 67 years ago. In 1956, Dalip Singh Saund (D), a judge of Indian descent, campaigned against Jackie Cochran Odlum (R), an aviation pioneer and WWII hero, in a run for Congress in California’s 29th District. Their dramatic competition sparked local debate and national conversations about race, ethnicity, gender, celebrity, prejudice, xenophobia, representation, and inclusion. While Cochran had unlimited resources and Presidential support, Saund’s grassroots, family-led voter registration drive targeted a changing demographic and led to a narrow and unexpected 3,300-vote victory, making him the first-ever Asian American member of the U.S. Congress.
