Kamala Harris: A Game-Changer for Indian-American Voters and Donors

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, President Joe Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the upcoming presidential race following his unexpected decision to not seek re-election. This endorsement has been met with strong support from some of the most powerful leaders within the Democratic establishment, and it could significantly impact the Indian-American community's involvement in the election.

Karthick Ramakrishnan, a professor of public policy and political science at the University of California, Berkeley, and founder of AAPI Data, has observed that Harris’s candidacy could energize Indian-American voters and donors in unprecedented ways. "This really shakes up the race in a big way. And I can imagine a lot of Indian American donors and activists, elected officials, you know, Pramila Jayapal already came out today endorsing Kamala," Ramakrishnan told ANI. He further stated, "I think it will indeed be a game changer."

Harris, whose late mother was born in India, is the first Indian-American candidate to make a serious bid for the presidency. She has often acknowledged her Indian heritage in public statements, proudly sharing, "My mother, Shyamala, came from India to study the science of fighting disease." This connection resonates deeply within the Indian-American community, which views her favorably.

Ramakrishnan's research indicates that having a candidate from one's community on the ballot significantly boosts voter turnout. "Past research indicates that when you have someone who comes from your community on the ballot, your community is more likely to vote. So I would anticipate Indian-American turnout to be among the highest that it's been in recent elections if indeed it is Harris at the top of the ticket," he said. 

With approximately 4 million Indian-Americans in the United States, this demographic, though small, is notably affluent and predominantly Democratic. Their financial contributions and votes could prove pivotal in tight races across various states and counties. "Winning a sizable portion of the Indian-American vote could make the difference in many states and counties where races are tight," Ramakrishnan noted.

The 2018 and 2020 elections saw record increases in voter turnout among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). In 2020, Asian Americans experienced a significant 11-point increase in presidential turnout and had the highest midterm turnout gain in 2018, with a 14-point increase. Nearly 60 percent of the Asian American citizen-age voting population turned out in 2020, demonstrating their growing political engagement.

In battleground states such as Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, the number of Asian Americans who voted in 2020 exceeded the presidential margin of victory, highlighting their potential to influence election outcomes. The Asian American population in the United States grew by 39 percent between 2010 and 2020 and is projected to exceed 35 million by 2060, making them one of the fastest-growing racial or ethnic groups in the country.

Despite the growing influence of the Indian diaspora, Republicans are unlikely to win them over entirely. However, even marginal gains could be significant in closely contested states. With Harris on the ticket, the Trump-Vance campaign will likely compete vigorously for Asian and Indian-American votes and contributions.

Vice President Harris quickly moved to secure support for her presidential bid after Biden's endorsement. She engaged with key figures on Capitol Hill, including Rep. Pramila Jayapal of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Rep. Nanette Barragan of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and Rep. Ann McLane Kuster of the New Democrat Coalition, all of whom have endorsed her candidacy. Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) also expressed his enthusiastic support on social media, declaring, "She is ready to win in Wisconsin!!!"

In response to Biden's endorsement, Harris expressed her gratitude, stating, "I am honored to have the President's endorsement, and my intention is to earn and win this nomination." 

As the race unfolds, Harris’s candidacy has the potential to galvanize Indian-American voters and donors, potentially shifting the dynamics of the upcoming election. The next few months will be crucial as she works to build a robust coalition of supporters from diverse backgrounds, aiming to secure a historic victory.