South Asian Americans: Pride and Grief After Harris's Loss

South Asian Americans are feeling a mix of emotions after Vice President Kamala Harris's defeat in the 2024 presidential race. While they're disappointed that she won't be the first Black woman and South Asian person to hold the nation's highest office, they're also proud of her journey and what it meant for their community. Anjali Bhatt, a 27-year-old from Washington, D. C. , woke up to the news and felt a deep sense of loss. "I was speechless, " she said. "The thought of a South Asian woman in the White House was exciting. But we're not there yet. " Sumati Thomas, a 42-year-old from Mississippi, shared similar feelings. As a Black and Indian woman, she felt a strong connection to Harris's multiracial identity. Despite the loss, both women recognized the significance of Harris's candidacy and how it put the South Asian community on the map.

Harris's campaign reignited excitement among South Asian Americans, who make up less than 2% of the U. S. population. Groups like South Asians for Harris and Lotus for POTUS quickly formed, many led by women who felt an immediate kinship with Harris. Shakeel Syed, executive director of the South Asian Network, expressed disappointment that this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is now gone. Though Harris didn't often discuss her race or gender during her campaign, she frequently mentioned her mother, the late scientist and Indian immigrant Shyamala Gopalan. Harris's candidacy and persona reawakened people's political interest, especially among young voters. However, some felt Harris fell short in certain areas, like her handling of the Israel-Gaza conflict. As the community looks ahead to the next four years under President-elect Trump, there's concern about what life might look like. But South Asian voters remain determined to keep pushing for change at the local and state levels.

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