WASHINGTON — A recent poll reveals strong support for Vice President Kamala Harris among Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander registered voters, significantly outpacing former President Donald Trump. The findings underscore Harris’s connection with these communities, as many voters feel she represents their cultural background and policy priorities better than Trump.
According to the survey from AAPI Data, approximately 60% of AAPI voters view Harris favorably, while only around 30% express positive feelings towards Trump. This marks a notable rise in Harris’s favorability since a previous poll in October 2023, during which her approval rating among AAPI voters hovered around 50%. Conversely, Trump’s approval remains consistent.
Harris’s dual heritage as both Black and South Asian American has positioned her as a relatable figure for many AAPI voters, particularly in key swing states like Georgia, where her outreach efforts are gaining traction. The poll suggests that nearly half of AAPI voters believe Harris better embodies their cultural identity, contrasting with just 10% who feel the same way about Trump. However, the impact of this sentiment on voter behavior remains uncertain.
Interestingly, only 30% of AAPI voters consider Harris’s Asian Indian identity as crucial to their voting decisions. Notably, around 70% of Asian Indian respondents do see Harris as more representative of their culture compared to the overall AAPI demographic.
Ping Hackl, a 27-year-old Chinese American independent, plans to support Harris, citing concerns about democracy rather than race or gender. “I don’t really care. She can be anybody,” Hackl stated, emphasizing her worries about political divisiveness and the perceived dangers Trump poses to the nation.
The poll indicates that Harris’s gender is a significant factor for AAPI voters, especially among women. Approximately 50% of AAPI women regard her identity as a woman as highly significant to their voting considerations. Furthermore, AAPI women place greater importance on their cultural identities than their male counterparts, particularly among younger voters aged 18 to 34, who prioritize Harris’s womanhood.
The engagement of AAPI communities, especially among younger generations, has intensified, with numerous ethnic affinity groups actively supporting Harris’s candidacy, according to recent surveys.
Democratic outreach appears to be gaining ground, as 40% of AAPI voters reported being contacted frequently by Democratic organizers, in contrast to 30% for the Republican Party.
Amidst a backdrop of racial stereotypes and misinformation, particularly surrounding Asian Americans, 70% of AAPI voters identify racism as a critical issue, placing it ahead of economic concerns as a determining factor in their voting decisions.
However, not all AAPI voters view Trump negatively. Some, like Jihua Ma from Boston, remain aligned with Republican values and support Trump’s leadership style, citing concerns about inflation and border control over specific policy achievements of Harris.
Despite the apparent gap in popularity, experts suggest that the Republican Party may still carve out support among AAPI voters by addressing economic policies and crime issues effectively.
ECNETNews will continue to monitor these developments as the election approaches.
