After the American Indians exceeds Chinese Americans make up the largest Asian population in the United States. Experts say they’re solidifying themselves as a political force — and one that politicians can’t ignore in 2024. From grassroots activism to voter registration to running for office, Native Americans Indians are a growing presence in American politics.
“This is a community that is waking up to the power they hold in the electoral space,” said Chintan Patel, executive director of the voter engagement organization Indian American Impact.
Those who identified as “Indian-only” – or 100% Indian – in the 2020 U.S. Census numbered 4.4 million, surpassing the “Chinese-only” population, which was previously the highest. When considering multiracial Americans, the Chinese still make up the largest Asian group in the country, but this milestone shows how much the Indian population has exploded over the past decade.
In many states and counties with close races, winning a significant share of the Native American vote could make the difference for many candidates, Patel said. In states like Arizona, where there are more Native Americans than the president Joe BidenWith the margin of victory in 2020, their participation could be decisive.
“What’s really important is not to take our communities for granted, not to think of them as just voters who will show up and vote, as they always have,” Patel said. “But also to constantly talk to them, persuade them and listen to the concerns of the community. Because, once again, they are now the margin of victory.
One of the most heavily Democratic groups in the country, at 68 percent, Indian-Americans are starting to ask tough questions of both parties, he said.
The years 2016, 2018, and 2020 all saw record turnout for Asian Americans, including South Asians. But experts say many are beginning to question Biden’s record on issues like Gaza.
Karthick Ramakrishnan, founder and executive director of AAPI Data, says Biden’s presidential approval rating has dropped among AAPI communities. For American Indians in particular, it is now is sitting at 43%.
But Ramakrishnan says he doubts the decline will translate into fewer Indian voters showing up at the polls or refusing to vote Democratic. He says issues like abortion, racism and discrimination, which are key issues for this population, are much more likely to influence their vote.
“Indian-Americans are disappointed in Biden,” he said. “But when comparing Biden’s favorability to Trump’s favorability and disfavorability, it’s unlikely that Asset is going to make a lot of progress among Native American voters.
While Native Americans have thrived in many industries, politics is one area where their representation is sorely lacking, Patel said. But he sees the wind changing. Current issues arouse the interest of voters and potential candidates, young and old, immigrants…
