Indian Americans Show Strong Democratic Leanings in 2024 Election but Support for Republicans Rises

Featured & Cover Indian Americans Show Strong Democratic Leanings in 2024 Election but Support for Republicans Rises

Ahead of the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 5, six in ten Indian American registered voters, or 61 percent, have expressed plans to vote for Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee and current Vice President, according to the Indian American Attitudes Survey (IAAS) 2024. Thirty-two percent intend to vote for her Republican opponent and former President, Donald Trump. Conducted between Sept. 18 and Oct. 15, 2024, the IAAS sheds light on the political inclinations and concerns of the Indian American community, a group that is both highly educated and economically influential.

The survey results reveal a steady Democratic loyalty among Indian Americans, though the community’s alignment has slightly shifted. Forty-seven percent identify as Democrats, down from 56 percent in 2020, while the number of Indian Americans identifying as Republicans has remained stable, and the share of independents has risen.

One of the survey’s most striking findings is a noticeable gender gap in voting intentions. Sixty-seven percent of Indian American women plan to vote for Harris, while only 53 percent of men share this preference. Conversely, a larger proportion of men, 39 percent, intend to support Trump, while 22 percent of women plan to vote for the former president. This divide is even more pronounced in different age groups: for voters over 40, 70 percent of women and 60 percent of men support Harris. However, among voters under 40, while 60 percent of women back Harris, men in this age range are split almost evenly between Harris and Trump.

The survey also highlights lukewarm views among Indian Americans toward prominent Indian American Republicans, such as Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Usha Vance, wife of Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance. Notably, there is a trend of asymmetric polarization in these perceptions: Democratic-leaning respondents rate these Republicans more negatively than Republicans rate Democratic figures.

Among policy priorities for Indian Americans, abortion has emerged as a key concern, especially among Democrats and women. Abortion and reproductive rights have become pivotal in this election cycle, ranking as the community’s second-most important issue after inflation and tied with jobs and the economy. Other concerns include healthcare, climate change, and U.S.-India relations, each resonating with substantial portions of the community.

The survey underscores that the Republican Party’s disadvantage among Indian Americans extends beyond personalities and aligns closely with policy issues. Many Indian Americans report that they distance themselves from the Republican Party due to its perceived intolerance toward minorities, its stance on abortion, and its association with Christian evangelists. As a result, many Indian American Democrats identify more with their party’s progressive values on these issues.

Indian Americans are an increasingly significant voting bloc due to their rapid population growth and high socioeconomic status. Between 2010 and 2020, the Indian American population grew by 50 percent, with over 70 percent of foreign-born members arriving in the U.S. after 2000. The survey categorizes Indian Americans as “high propensity” voters, with 96 percent of registered respondents indicating they will vote in the upcoming election. Given the community’s median household income of $153,000—more than double the national average—Indian American voters are highly sought after by both parties.

Economic concerns, especially inflation, are central for Indian American voters, with 17 percent identifying inflation as their top priority. Employment opportunities follow closely, emphasizing the community’s focus on financial stability. Additionally, U.S.-India relations hold significant importance, particularly aligning with the Democratic Party’s stance on international diplomacy. Nevertheless, Republicans, including Trump, are increasingly positioning themselves on this issue, reflecting a notable departure from previous campaigns.

Kamala Harris’s nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate has noticeably boosted enthusiasm among Indian American voters. Harris, who has Indian heritage, is the first woman of South Asian descent on a major U.S. party’s presidential ticket, a milestone that resonates strongly within the community. According to the survey, 51 percent of respondents reported feeling more motivated to vote due to her nomination, while only 12 percent reported a decrease in enthusiasm. This support is especially pronounced among older and immigrant Indian Americans, who view Harris as a symbol of cultural pride and American identity.

However, Harris’s candidacy does not inspire equal enthusiasm across all segments of the community. Younger, U.S.-born Indian Americans, while recognizing her heritage, are more likely to prioritize her policy stance over her background. Many respondents supportive of Harris cited her liberal and progressive policies as primary reasons, demonstrating a preference for policy alignment over ethnic representation.

Indian Americans’ growing involvement in U.S. politics reflects a blend of cultural heritage and civic engagement. Although the community predominantly supports the Democratic Party, the Republican Party’s increasing appeal, particularly among younger, U.S.-born Indian American men, signals a possible shift in voting patterns. The survey notes that “Republican economic policies and a focus on national security resonate with segments of Indian American voters, particularly men under 40.”

Whether these trends signify a temporary shift or an enduring realignment in the political landscape remains uncertain. However, with their high voter turnout and significant representation, Indian Americans are positioned to be a defining force in future U.S. elections. The evolving political preferences within this community suggest that both major parties will continue to invest considerable effort in courting Indian American voters, a demographic that has proven to be influential both in numbers and in economic power.

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