Asian American Voters Observe Kamala Harris's Candidacy as a Historic Presidential Contender Amidst Growing Support and Scrutiny

Swati Joshi, a 60-year-old Democratic voter residing in Dallas, reflects on the potential historic significance of Kamala Harris becoming President of the United States. Joshi, who is of Indian American heritage, expresses particular enthusiasm for Harris’s candidacy due to a personal connection—Harris shares her name with Joshi’s grandmother. With President Joe Biden’s recent withdrawal from the presidential race, Joshi, alongside a growing segment of the Asian American electorate, is contemplating the profound implications of a Kamala Harris presidency for the nation and for their own communities.

Historic Implications and Personal Significance

Joshi’s excitement underscores a broader trend among Asian American voters who are energized by the prospect of electing a president who represents their ethnic background and symbolizes a milestone in American politics. If successful, Harris’s candidacy would be historic: she would become the first Black woman and the first South Asian American to lead a major party’s presidential ticket. Furthermore, if elected, Harris would make history as the first woman, first South Asian American, and first Black woman to occupy the highest office in the nation.

Voter Sentiment and Political Realities

Despite this excitement, concerns persist among some voters regarding Harris’s performance and her ability to tackle critical issues. Prior to Biden's departure from the race, his support among Asian American voters had been waning, with an 8-point drop observed from 2020 to 2024. This decline has fueled uncertainties about Harris’s potential candidacy, particularly concerning her ability to mobilize not only Asian American voters but also Black and Latino voters—demographics from which Biden had also seen a reduction in support.

Sara Sadhwani, a senior researcher at AAPI Data, acknowledges the tumultuous context in which Harris’s campaign unfolds but regards it as a “monumental moment” for both the Asian American community and the future of a multiracial America. “This is absolutely historic, not just for the Asian American community, but for the future multiracial America that we are barreling towards,” Sadhwani remarked.

Polling Data and Asian American Support

Recent surveys present a nuanced view of Harris’s standing among Asian American voters. A July survey indicated that 44% of Asian Americans hold a favorable impression of Harris, compared to 34% for former President Donald Trump. This is comparable to Harris’s favorability rating among the general population, which stands at 45%, just two points behind Trump—a margin within the poll’s margin of error. However, support for Harris among Asian Americans has experienced a slight decline over the past two years.

Political Dynamics and Voter Mobilization

Harris’s anticipated ascension to the Democratic nomination coincides with an increasingly politically engaged Asian American community, galvanized by heightened awareness following Trump’s presidency and the surge in anti-Asian sentiment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sadhwani suggests that Harris is well-positioned to both galvanize and benefit from this demographic shift.

Harris’s biracial identity has been a prominent aspect of her public persona, resonating deeply with many voters. Her campaign frequently highlights her Indian American heritage, recalling her mother’s immigration journey from India and her father’s involvement in civil rights activism. “My mother—when she arrived in the United States, she automatically, given who my grandfather was and about the fight for independence in India… took to the streets to march for civil rights in her sari,” Harris shared at a May conference hosted by the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies. This personal narrative reflects her broader appeal and potential to redefine the Asian American experience within U.S. politics.

Challenges and Public Perception

Despite the historic nature of Harris’s candidacy, she faces substantial challenges. Alexis Lee, a 26-year-old Korean American voter from New Jersey, has expressed concerns about Harris’s visibility and effectiveness in recent years. Lee, reflecting on Biden's withdrawal, acknowledged the need to better understand Harris’s record and her positions on key issues such as climate change, immigration, and her previous tenure as a prosecutor.

Suresh Kalyanaraman, a 55-year-old Indian immigrant from Virginia, who has been politically active since Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign, emphasizes a renewed sense of urgency and importance in this election cycle. He supports Harris but also advocates for a thorough vetting process for Democratic nominees. Kalyanaraman, along with many others, views this election as pivotal, underscoring the broader sentiment within the Asian American community that this election is one of the most consequential in their lifetime.

Harris’s Campaign Strategy and Donor Support

Although Harris’s candidacy is historic, she faces significant hurdles. Sadhwani highlights that Harris has struggled with visibility and public engagement during the Biden administration. The campaign must address these challenges while also navigating criticisms from younger progressives who question her past as a tough-on-crime prosecutor.

Early indicators suggest robust grassroots support for Harris, with significant donations flowing in since Biden’s exit. Harris’s campaign is leveraging her extensive experience as a prosecutor to contrast herself with Trump, who has been convicted of crimes. Nonetheless, younger progressives remain critical of her criminal justice record and its implications for mass incarceration.

Conclusion

Harris’s bid for the presidency represents a transformative moment in U.S. politics, offering the potential for a groundbreaking administration that could reshape the national discourse on race, gender, and ethnicity. However, her campaign must navigate a complex landscape of voter expectations, historical scrutiny, and political challenges. As the election approaches, the effectiveness of her campaign strategies and her ability to address key issues will be pivotal in determining whether she can convert historic potential into electoral success.