As the co-founder and executive director of the Hmong American Farmers Association in Minnesota, Janssen Hang has repeatedly met with Governor Tim Walz, often seeing him in his characteristic red flannel shirt. “I’ve seen that red flannel multiple times,” Hang remarked, laughing. “I think he will be a wonderful candidate because he speaks from the heart… He’s not a third-generation senator’s son or some big business guy.”
Hmong Minnesotans have closely followed Walz’s ascent to the Democratic presidential ticket alongside Vice President Kamala Harris over the past two months. Many have observed his cross-country campaigning and recent debate against Republican Senator JD Vance. Support from Hmong American state lawmakers and community activists indicates that Walz has fostered a largely positive image within Minnesota’s largest Asian ethnic group. They highlight his past legislative efforts, commitment to bipartisanship, and active participation in community events, from festivals to memorials. Now, many of these supporters are eager to mobilize the Hmong American vote in pivotal states.
Despite some Hmong critics who believe Walz has fallen short in supporting small businesses, especially after civil unrest in the wake of George Floyd’s death, his relationship with Asian American voters could have significant implications in swing states like Wisconsin and Michigan. Enthusiasm within the local community has certainly increased with Walz’s presence in the presidential race.
KaYing Yang, a member of an advisory commission on Asian Americans, noted, “The next vice president is potentially someone who actually knows Hmong and can actually pronounce Hmong correctly.” She emphasizes the importance of community ties, even as the Hmong population spreads across the country.
Census data reveals that California boasts the largest Hmong population, exceeding 107,000, with Minnesota and Wisconsin also experiencing notable growth, with populations surpassing 97,000 and 58,000, respectively. Hmong roots in the United States trace back to the 1970s when many fled persecution in China and Southeast Asia. During the Vietnam War, the U.S. engaged Hmong fighters in covert operations, resulting in significant loss of life. Today, the U.S. Hmong population exceeds 300,000.
In Minnesota, the Hmong community’s economic contributions are prominent, with Hmong farmers accounting for over half of the produce sold at 50 farmers markets across the Twin Cities metro area. In 2022, these farmers reached a milestone when they acquired $2 million from the state to purchase farmland they had previously leased, with Walz playing a key role in advocating for these funds.
The governor and other officials have also honored Hmong war veterans. For instance, state Representative Fue Lee collaborated with Walz to establish May 14 as Hmong SGU Remembrance Day, commemorating the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Laos in 1975.
“The governor takes his time to know you personally,” Lee stated. “That’s the impact he has with many within the Hmong community regarding his candidacy.”
On the flip side, May Lor Xiong, a Minnesota Republican competing for Congress in a Democratic district, expresses skepticism about Walz’s influence on Hmong voters outside Minnesota, citing his perceived shortcomings in supporting small businesses and responding to critical issues such as homelessness and public safety.
“The Harris-Walz campaign is making strides to engage the Hmong community, along with other Asian demographics, through targeted staffing, media presence, and language-specific materials,” representatives have stated.
Campaign officials for their opponents argue that the previous administration made significant progress for Asian American communities.
The Hmong community adheres to a collectivist culture organized into 18 clans, with supporters of the Walz-Harris campaign aiming to connect with clan leaders to drive voter turnout among older generations. Organizers are planning engagement events to mobilize voters within the Hmong community, underlining the importance of impactful messaging.
Despite the challenges posed by wealth disparities and voter engagement barriers, there is optimism that Walz’s legacy with the Hmong community will resonate. Xiong argues that conservative sentiments may be more common than publicly expressed among Hmong voters, emphasizing a need for authentic representation in political discourse.
Democratic Representative Kaohly Vang Her highlighted the necessity for continuous outreach to earn the Hmong vote, stressing that the community seeks genuine commitment to their issues from candidates.
The upcoming electoral cycle will undoubtedly test the dynamics of Hmong American electoral influence and the candidates who seek to earn their support.
