South Asian Americans relieved as Nikki Haley drops out GOP presidential race, but worried about Trump
Indian American voters, 68% of whom identify as Democrats, say Nikki Haley was not the representation they wanted.
South Asian voters watched Nikki Haley exit the presidential race on Wednesday without much fanfare. Many said they felt uninspired by Haley, who they said had a flimsy connection to the Indian American community.
Indian Americans specifically, 68% of whom lean Democratic, said they struggled with her presence on the campaign trail: A member of their community made it so far on a national stage, but they felt she didn’t represent them.
The GOP primary campaign has been a road of mixed feelings for the community after Haley and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy captured headlines and much of the spotlight on debate stages.
Haley supporters at a campaign rally Sunday in Portland, Maine.Scott Eisen / Getty Images“I’m glad it’s over,” said Ashwin Ramaswami, 24, a Gen Z candidate making his first bid for the state Senate in Georgia. “It was fascinating to watch.”
Experts say Haley’s policies veered far from the priorities of Indian American voters. Though she presented herself as a more moderate alternative to former President Donald Trump, she fell short for South Asians on issues like guns, the climate and reproductive rights, said Varun Nikore, the executive director of the nonprofit AAPI Victory Alliance.
Rating: 5