How The Indian-American Vote Could Decide The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election? KNOW HERE!

The fiercely contested U.S. presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump will soon reach its climax, with millions of Americans heading to the polls in just a week. Amid the political polarization, the Indian-American community has emerged as a critical voting bloc that could sway the election’s outcome. With more than 5.2 million Indian-Americans residing in the U.S., this demographic, known historically to favor the Democratic Party, has increasingly drawn attention from both political sides.

The Indian-American Influence on the 2024 Election

Indian-Americans have traditionally leaned toward the Democrats, but Republicans have made a concerted effort to win their votes by addressing issues they prioritize, such as economic stability and bolstered U.S.-India relations. This year’s election carries special significance, as Democratic candidate Kamala Harris could become the first person of Indian heritage to hold the presidency, a prospect that resonates strongly with many in the community.

To understand how this influential group plans to vote, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, in partnership with YouGov, conducted a comprehensive survey. The results, released just days before the election, provide insight into Indian-Americans’ political inclinations and the issues shaping their choices.

Survey Findings: A Divided Loyalty

The survey reveals that 60% of Indian-Americans support the Democratic Party, yet there has been a slight increase in support for Donald Trump. Approximately one-third of Indian-American voters indicated they are likely to vote for Trump, reflecting growing Republican appeal within the community. Gender differences are notable, with 67% of Indian-American women favoring Harris, compared to 53% of men. Meanwhile, 22% of women plan to vote for Trump, while 39% of men show support for the Republican candidate.

Party Shifts and Key Concerns

Though Democrats still retain strong support, the survey points to a decline in self-identified Democratic Indian-Americans, dropping from 56% in 2020 to 47% in 2024. Republicans, however, have maintained a steady base, and the percentage of Indian-American independents has risen. The survey also reveals that certain Indian-American Republicans, including Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy, receive low favorability ratings among Indian-American respondents.

The community’s primary concerns mirror broader national issues, with inflation, cost of living, the economy, and jobs topping the list. Additionally, abortion and reproductive rights emerged as a high-priority issue, particularly among female respondents.

Growing Impact of Indian-Americans in U.S. Politics

As the Indian-American community expands, so does its political influence. Currently, about 3.9 million Indian-Americans are of voting age, with an estimated 2.6 million eligible to vote. With a growth rate of 50% between 2010 and 2020, Indian-Americans now represent the second-largest immigrant group in the U.S., following Mexican-Americans. The community’s median household income is around $153,000, more than double the national average, a factor that underscores their socio-economic significance.

A Complex Future for U.S. Parties

Although the Democratic Party appears to have an edge among Indian-American voters in 2024, the inroads made by Republicans could present a challenge in the years ahead. As Republicans continue their outreach, especially on economic issues that resonate with this demographic, the 2028 election may prove more competitive.

With Indian-Americans playing a crucial role in this historic election, their votes could potentially shape not only America’s immediate future but also the long-term political landscape for both major parties.

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