Parties Target Indian-American Voters in Michigan Before Midterm Vote
Political parties are intensifying their outreach to Indian-American voters in Michigan, where the community is the state's largest Asian group. With midterm elections approaching, the state could significantly influence which party controls Congress.
Asian-American advocacy organizations are also working to attract these voters. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is set to address supporters in Port Huron, Michigan, on Sunday.
The White House has scheduled a rally for Sunday at McMorran Place in Port Huron. It will be the third campaign event in three consecutive days, following appearances in Fort Myers, Florida, on Friday and Perry, Georgia, on Saturday.
Earlier this month, on October 17, the AAPI Victory Fund held an event at the Godfrey Hotel in Detroit. The super PAC supports Asian-American candidates and voters. Senator Elissa Slotkin and Jocelyn Benson, the state's Secretary of State and Democratic gubernatorial candidate, were among those who attended.
Lynn Nguyen, the organization's president, said the group established the super PAC to address a shortage of political funding for Asian voters and candidates. She added that competitive states with growing Asian-American populations, such as Michigan and Georgia, are now increasingly important to the group.
Nguyen also praised candidates such as Democratic Senate contender Abdul El-Sayed. The group has endorsed several Michigan figures, including El-Sayed, Benson, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II and state legislator Ranjeev Puri, who is of Indian origin.
According to AAPI Data, about 138,644 Indian Americans live in Michigan, forming the largest Asian community in the state. Around 123,545 Asian-American voters are eligible to vote in the state.
Most Indian Americans in Michigan live in Oakland County suburbs, including Troy, Novi, Canton and Farmington Hills. These communities are located within or near several competitive congressional districts.
Shri Thanedar, a Democrat representing the Detroit-based 13th Congressional District, is the only Indian-origin member of Congress from Michigan.
Port Huron, located in St. Clair County, is in a region of the state where Republicans typically have greater influence. Indian-American voters have tended to support Democrats in recent elections, although Republicans have strengthened their presence among some immigrant communities.
Both major parties are working to connect with voters at a time when stricter H-1B visa policies and rising anti-India comments on social media have become major talking points. Michigan voters will elect their governor, U.S. senators and all 13 members of the House of Representatives on November 3.