Kamala Harris, the US vice chairman, became the face of South Asian Americans when she rose to the top of the Democratic ticket. They rallied in her favor, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for her plan, and gaining the backing of famous characters like Salman Rushdie, a novelist. Harris appeared to have the potential to win substantial support from the American British society as the first American American and Black female nominated for president by a major political party.
But, Harris faces significant challenges in solidifying this assistance. Some Indian Americans are veering away from Donald Trump in the face of a shifting social environment. Elements such as Trump’s tax laws, his attention on little business, and his near relations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi have influenced this change.
Rakesh Patel, a 38-year-old investor from Arlington, Virginia, was quoted by Nikkei.com as explaining,” Trump’s ‘ Make America Great Again ‘ phrase sounds Modi’s ‘ Make India Great Once.’ Some Indian Americans are supporting the Republicans because of the close friendship between Modi and Trump.
A deepening separate
The Indian National group is experiencing a growing rift. Despite a historic leaning towards Liberals, current trends reveal a growing Democratic inclination. Raashina Humayun, a 53-year-old Californian, noted,” Not had our community’s seats been split so strongly along party lines. While I’m supporting Democrats, more and more of my friends and former Democrats have started to support Democrats.
Pooja Khemka, a student at Illinois University, echoed Trump’s criticism of his plan to grant foreign students green cards. According to Khemka,” American students believe that our future is in the US, while our roots belong in India,” according to Nikkei.com.
Statistical transitions and social control
Since the beginning of the 1990s, Indian Americans have increased significantly in the number of votes cast, more than threefold. According to AAPI Data, there are over 2.1 million available American British citizens. The group’s influence is growing, as Asiatic Americans make up 6.1 % of eligible voters nationwide.
New polling data reflects these shifts. A survey by AAPI Data indicated a drop in the percentage of Indian Americans identifying as Democrats, from 54 % in 2020 to 47 % in 2024. Conversely, those identifying as Republicans rose from 16 % to 21 % in the same period. Additionally, Harris ‘ favorability among Indian American voters has declined from 62 % in 2022 to 54 % in July 2024, reported Nikkei.com.
Democratic appeal
A significant part is also played by the rise of popular Hindu American Republicans, including former governor of South Carolina Nikki Haley and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy. Ashish Aghi, president and CEO of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, observed,” There are extremely popular Indian-American officials on the Democratic side, and so, officials represent a changing statistical pattern as well”.
According to scholar Arun Kumar,” The Republicans ‘ promise of bringing work back from illegal migrants and reducing taxes on the wealthy have a great appeal for American British voters, most of whom have much higher median wages than ordinary Americans,” he was quoted by Nikkei.com.
According to the most recent US Census data, Indian Americans ‘ average household income is$ 123,700, nearly twice the national average of$ 63, 922.
Harris ‘ potential impact
Despite these challenges, Harris ‘ candidacy holds the potential to reverse the trend. Indian American voters who are drawn to her heritage and accomplishments may find her rise to be deeply indebted. Many Indian American voters would be drawn to her if she were to be on the Democratic ticket, according to Mukesh Aghi, especially those who are drawn to her achievements and heritage.
Harris ‘ campaign will need to navigate these nuanced dynamics as the election draws near, which will continue to be a significant part of the Indian American voter base.
