The South Asian community is reacting to Vice President Kamala Harris being the current frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nominee in 2024. If nominated, Harris would make history as the first person of South Asian descent to lead a major U.S. political party’s ticket.
Members of the South Asian community in the Dallas-Fort Worth area expressed their views to NBC 5, highlighting the significance of Harris’s candidacy for representation. Frisco, home to a large South Asian population and the Karya Siddhi Hanuman temple, serves as a focal point for the community. Worshippers there, while attending evening prayers, also reflected on the recent political developments.
Raman Chawla remarked, “It’s good news for the community now because we believe that having representation at that level means a lot.”
After President Joe Biden ended his reelection campaign on Sunday, he endorsed Harris as his successor. Harris, whose mother emigrated from India in 1958, would be the first person of South Asian descent to lead a major U.S. political party if she secures the nomination at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Nagi Anumandla shared his excitement, stating, “I heard she has connections to India. I’m from India, and I’m so excited, definitely.”
Some community members believe Harris’s candidacy could result in more favorable U.S. policies towards South Asians. Chawla added, “With Ms. Harris’s background, we hope for more liberal immigration policies, particularly for people like me on visas.”
The majority of residents interviewed emphasized the importance of the demographic barriers Harris would break if nominated. Chawla noted, “Having representation at that level creates a place in society, specifically more acceptance.”
Anumandla expressed hope for the future, saying, “My kids were born here. One day, they could achieve something significant.”
While acknowledging the long journey ahead, some South Asians in DFW dream of seeing their community represented at the highest level of the White House. Anumandla added, “If she gets it, she becomes an example for others to dream the same way.”
However, not all in the South Asian community are in favor. Some, preferring to remain anonymous, told NBC 5 off-camera that they did not believe Harris would be the best candidate for their community’s interests.
NBC 5 will continue to monitor how key voting demographics evolve in the months leading up to Election Day.
