South Asian Americans feel both grief and pride after ramping up for a Harris win
After feeling like they were on the precipice of history, many South Asian Americans say they’re heartbroken following Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss in the 2024 presidential race, but are looking back on her ascent in politics with pride for their community.
After feeling like they were on the precipice of history, many South Asian Americans say they’re heartbroken following Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss in the 2024 presidential race, but are looking back on her ascent in politics with pride for their community.
Harris would have been the first Black woman and South Asian person to hold the nation’s highest office, and with her defeat by President-elect Donald Trump called Wednesday morning, they’re reflecting on the spotlight her unprecedented candidacy put on their community.
“I was speechless,” said Anjali Bhatt, 27, who saw the results online when she woke up Wednesday morning. “The fact that there could have been a South Asian woman in the White House … we’re not there yet, but it would have been very nice. For the South Asian community, there’s that added level of grieving.”
Bhatt, a Washington, D.C., resident, said Trump is the only Republican presidential candidate she’s ever seen on the ballot. She said she thought Harris might have offered a reprieve — and a sign that America is moving forward.
In Mississippi, Sumati Thomas, 42, said she was hit with similar feelings when she saw the results Wednesday morning. As a Black and Indian woman, she felt particularly connected to Harris’ multiracial identity. Despite the loss, she said Harris’ Democratic nomination earlier this year and ascent to the vice presidency in 2020 put her community on the map.
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