Asian American voters culturally, politically diverse
Since 2020, Asian Americans have been the fastest-growing group of eligible voters in the U.S., according to Pew Research Center. In 2022, California had the most eligible Asian American voters in the U.S., followed by New York and Texas. From Houston, Texas, VOA’s Elizabeth Lee has more on the potential and challenges of the Asian American vote.
For flavors from Asia, Houston, Texas is a one-stop-shop. The foods found here reflect the melting pot of Asian cultures living in the counties that make up the Greater Houston region. One of them is suburban Fort Bend County, where Asians make up more than 21% of the population. It’s also where Chinese American immigrant JJ Clemence lives.
JJ Clemence
Chinese American
I think for either party, they really cannot, cannot afford to ignore the Asian community.
Asian Americans are among the fastest-growing ethnic groups in the U.S., according to Census data. Voter turnout among this group has also seen record increases in the past two presidential elections. The Democratic nominee for president, Kamala Harris, has taken notice and recently released two ads targeting Asians. More Asian Americans call themselves Democrat than Republican. One reason: More than half of Asian American voters are immigrants.
Becky Kim
Korean American
I think Trump’s policies hurt minorities a lot.
Richard Murray
University of Houston senior research fellow
A lot of his policies not only took aim at illegal immigrants from Mexico or South America, but also restricted legal immigration.
Still, a 2024 survey of Asian American voters found that 22% identify as Republicans.
Daniel Wong
Chinese American
Less government is what Asians want. You know, more freedom and less tax.
The survey also found 31% of Asian American voters identify as independents. But 42% of Asian American voters surveyed say they have not been contacted by political candidates or a political party. Daniel Wong, who had served in local elected office, says Asian American voters are partly responsible.
Daniel Wong
Chinese American
We are not organized; we don’t understand the American political system. That’s why we don’t know how we’re going to energize to put our energy together to shoot for whatever common goal, which we don’t have.
The projected 15 million Asian Americans eligible to vote have roots in different countries. During the last presidential election, close to 60% of Asian Americans voted. Political activists say forming relationships with new Asian-American citizens and educating them about the political process will mobilize them to get involved.
Elizabeth Lee, VOA News, Houston
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2024-08-30
