Indian-American leaders endorse Kamala Harris for president as Biden bows out

US Vice President Kamala Harris has received endorsements from three of the five Indian-American lawmakers in the House of Representatives and several prominent Indian-Americans, after President Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race. Biden himself endorsed Harris as the Democratic Party’s likely nominee.

This decision comes after mounting pressure from Democrats after a contentious debate with Donald Trump, where Biden struggled to respond effectively.

Harris, 59, is the first-ever Indian-American elected as Vice President of the US and now stands as the likely Democratic presidential nominee.

All five Indian-American lawmakers in the House of Representatives, including Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Shri Thanedar, Pramila Jayapal, and Ami Bera, have hailed Biden’s decision, with three endorsing Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee.

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal was the first to endorse Harris, expressing her full support on social media.

“Kamala Harris for President. Let’s beat Donald Trump and make history,” Jayapal posted on X.

The two spoke over the phone as well, reported news agency PTI.

“Vice President Kamala Harris just called me and I told her I am 1000% in for her to be our President! She has the smarts, the experience, the accomplishments and the agenda to lead us to victory in November. Let’s go!”

Ro Khanna, another Indian-American lawmaker who represents California’s 17th congressional district, also threw his weight behind Harris.

“I am proud to endorse Kamala Harris as our nominee. Her trailblazing candidacy as the first African-American woman and first Asian-American will be a jolt of energy in our party. Our party can now run on a message of hope and a vision for the future,” Khanna stated.

Shri Thanedar, an Indian-American Congressman and the US representative from Michigan’s 13th congressional district, expressed his support:

“I respect Biden’s decision and fully support and echo his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris. She would be a fantastic nominee and would be an amazing President. I look forward to another four years of a Democratic presidency that puts people first.”

The other two Indian-American lawmakers, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Ami Bera, praised Biden for his presidency and decision.

Krishnamoorthi remarked, “Through his decision today, Joe Biden has demonstrated the true and selfless nature of a life committed to putting the country, and his fellow Americans, first.”

“From passing historic investments in infrastructure to restoring American leadership on the world stage, I am proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish under his leadership,” stated Ami Bera on X.

WIDESPREAD INDIAN-AMERICAN LEADERS’ SUPPORT

Harris, who has been serving as the first female, first Black, and first South Asian vice president since 2021, has been endorsed by several prominent Indian-Americans.

Virginia State Senator Suhas Subramanyam endorsed Harris, calling her “the right leader at the right time.”

Neil Makhija, Montgomery County Commissioner, announced plans to host fundraising events for Harris.

Ashwin Ramaswami, candidate for Georgia State Senate, highlighted the significance of Harris’s candidacy for Indian-American and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) representation.

The Asian American Action Fund PAC also announced its full endorsement of Harris, with chair Albert Shen stating, “Kamala Harris has consistently demonstrated her dedication to the values we hold dear: equality, opportunity, and justice for all.”

Prominent diaspora leader MR Rangaswami expressed pride in Harris’s candidacy, noting the increasing contributions of the Indian diaspora to American society.

Ronak D Desai, a leading expert on US-India relations, remarked that Harris’s presidency would likely continue the strong bilateral ties between the US and India.

Democratic Party delegate Jai Bhandari expressed confidence in Harris’s ability to defeat Donald Trump, citing her extensive experience and knowledge.

The Indian diaspora, although making up just over 1.5% of the US population, holds a significant number of senior public service positions, reflecting their desire to contribute positively to society.

Sanjeev Joshipura of the Indiaspora, a non-profit organisation in San Francisco, emphasised this growing influence, highlighting the increased representation in senior public service roles.

As Harris steps forward as the Democratic Party’s likely nominee, her historic candidacy represents a milestone for both Indian-Americans and the broader Asian American community, signalling a momentous shift in American politics.

With just 106 days left until the November 5 elections, Harris is now poised to take the reins.

If Kamala Harris wins the presidential election, she will make history as the first woman of colour elected as President of the US.