Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris finds herself in a challenging position as she navigates the political landscape ahead of the November 2024 United States elections. A recently conducted survey by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace indicates a potential decline in support from a historically Democratic constituency: the Indian American community. The community, which comprises approximately 5.2 million people, is the second-largest immigrant group in the U.S. after Mexican Americans.
The survey forecasts that Harris will receive around 61 percent of the community’s votes, marking a nearly 4 percent pullback from the support received by incumbent President Joe Biden in the 2020 election. This decline reflects a deeper trend, as the percentage of Indian Americans identifying as Democrats has decreased from 56 percent in 2020 to 47 percent this year. Amidst these dynamics, there has been a notable increase, albeit modest, in support for the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump.
As both political parties intensify outreach efforts to the Indian American demographic, the community’s growing political influence cannot be overlooked. Prominent figures such as former presidential candidate Nikki Haley and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy illustrate an expanding presence in Republican circles. The upcoming election appears highly competitive, with polls indicating a tight race in several battleground states, where even small voter groups like Indian Americans could significantly impact the outcome.
As political analysts weigh the implications of potential shifts in voting patterns, they point out that unique demographic factors might be at play. A pronounced gender gap in voting preferences has emerged within the Indian American community, where support for Harris remains stronger among women—67 percent—compared to 53 percent among men. This divide may reflect broader national trends regarding issues like reproductive rights, which resonate particularly with female voters.
Further complicating the electoral landscape, the survey indicates a growing disillusionment among young Indian American voters. As geopolitical developments, such as the ongoing situation in Gaza, shape public opinion, experts suggest a segment of voters may express their dissent through third-party candidacies or even consider alternative political affiliations.
Despite concerns regarding voter fragmentation within the community, it is critical to emphasize that Indian Americans remain a dynamic and engaged group, with diverse perspectives on both domestic and foreign policy matters. As the electoral process unfolds, the landscape of Indian American political engagement demonstrates an evolving narrative that underscores the community’s significance in shaping the electoral outcomes ahead.
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