US (Washington Insider Magazine) -Indian Americans, traditionally a strong Democratic voting bloc, are showing signs of shifting their political loyalties ahead of the 2024 presidential election. A recent Carnegie Endowment survey revealed a significant decrease in the number of Indian Americans identifying as Democrats, with support for Vice President Kamala Harris, despite her Indian heritage, falling to 60% from 70% in 2020. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump saw an increase in support, climbing to 31% from 22%.
At a Diwali gathering in Denver, a poll among Indian American tech professionals and business owners revealed a surprising shift: Trump edged out Harris in a race where Biden had previously dominated. This change in sentiment appears to reflect a broader national trend, with Indian American men under 40, many of whom are second-generation immigrants, leading the shift toward Trump.
The divide between first- and second-generation Indian Americans is notable, with many of the newer immigrants, who are more likely to express concerns over illegal immigration, supporting Trump’s stance on border control. Older generations, in contrast, remain loyal to the Democrats, driven by concerns over policies such as health care and education.
While the shift in loyalties is noteworthy, Indian Americans remain a diverse group, with varying political priorities. For many, issues like inflation, jobs, and immigration, rather than U.S.-India relations, are key concerns. As the 2024 election approaches, the Indian American vote is shaping up to be a decisive factor, particularly in battleground states where South Asian voters could make the difference in a closely contested race.
