The Indian American community, a politically significant group in the United States, is showing signs of a shift in their support for the Democratic Party ahead of the 2024 Presidential election. While they remain largely aligned with the Democrats, a new survey suggests a decline in their attachment to the party compared to the previous election cycle.
The Indian American Attitude Survey (IAAS), conducted by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP), reveals that 61% of registered Indian American voters plan to cast their ballots for Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, while 32% intend to vote for Republican candidate Donald Trump. While this indicates a continued preference for the Democratic candidate, it’s important to note that there has been a noticeable shift since 2020, when the last survey was conducted.
The survey found that only 47% of Indian American respondents identify as Democrats, down from 56% in 2020. Meanwhile, the proportion of those identifying as Republicans has remained steady at 21%, while the number of Independents has increased to 26%. This indicates a growing number of Indian Americans who are choosing to remain unaffiliated with either major political party.
The survey also highlights a significant gender gap in support for both candidates. While 67% of Indian American women plan to vote for Harris, only 53% of men express the same intention. Similarly, 22% of women intend to vote for Trump, compared to 39% of men. This gender divide is particularly pronounced among younger voters, with women under the age of 40 expressing stronger support for Harris than their male counterparts.
Beyond the electoral landscape, the survey delves into the policy concerns and perceptions of the Indian American community. The survey found that abortion and reproductive rights are a highly salient issue for Indian Americans, ranking as their second-most-important policy concern after inflation/prices and tied with the economy and jobs. This heightened focus on reproductive rights is particularly prominent among Democratic voters and women.
The survey findings suggest that the Republican Party may face an uphill battle in gaining support within the Indian American community due to policy stances that are out of sync with the views of many community members. When asked why they don’t identify as Republicans, Democrats cite the Republican Party’s intolerance towards minorities, stance on abortion, and ties to Christian evangelicalism as major factors.
The IAAS provides a valuable insight into the evolving political landscape of the Indian American community, highlighting the increasing diversity of their views and the significant influence of policies on their electoral choices. It remains to be seen how these dynamics will impact the 2024 US Presidential election and the future of Indian American political engagement.
