Democratic Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has stated that anti-Indian rhetoric within certain factions of the 'Make America Great Again' (MAGA) movement may have negatively impacted Republican candidates in recent US elections. Krishnamoorthi suggests that Indian-American voters are increasingly concerned about discrimination and hostility, leading to electoral consequences for those promoting such sentiments.
In an interview, Krishnamoorthi highlighted the defeat of Bo French in the Texas railroad commissioner race as a case in point. He described French as a significant purveyor of anti-Indian sentiment, whose loss to John Rosenthal was, in his view, partly due to a voter backlash against discriminatory politics. While acknowledging that Rosenthal was a strong candidate, Krishnamoorthi believes the outcome demonstrated the electoral risks of anti-Indian rhetoric.
Voter Shifts Among Indian-Americans
When asked if rising anti-Hindu and anti-Asian hostility influenced voter turnout among Indian-Americans, Krishnamoorthi admitted he lacked definitive evidence. However, he noted a growing perception of hostility within the community. He estimated that Democratic support among Indian-American voters, which he believed had dipped to 60–70% in 2024, might have rebounded to 80–90% in the latest elections, suggesting this shift likely impacted their voting choices. These figures are the congressman's estimates and not independently verified voting data.
Bipartisan Support and Future Concerns
Despite his critique of MAGA elements, Krishnamoorthi emphasized that bipartisan support for India remains robust in Washington. However, he warned that continued discrimination against Indian-origin individuals, including H-1B visa holders, could strain bilateral relations. He also recounted being present during an alleged attempted mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, underscoring the real-world impact of such hostilities.
Krishnamoorthi urged Indian-Americans to enhance their political engagement and collaborate with other communities to combat discrimination. He stressed that greater representation, from local councils to Congress, is crucial for safeguarding the community's interests and strengthening India-US ties.