Indian-American leaders endorse Kamala Harris for president as Biden bows out
US Vice President Kamala Harris has garnered endorsements from three of the five Indian-American lawmakers in the House of Representatives and several prominent figures in the Indian-American community following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race. Biden himself has endorsed Harris as the likely Democratic nominee.
Biden’s decision comes in the wake of increasing pressure from Democrats after a challenging debate with Donald Trump, where Biden struggled to present a strong case.
Harris, 59, who is the first Indian-American to hold the office of Vice President, now stands as the leading candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Among the five Indian-American lawmakers in the House—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Shri Thanedar, Pramila Jayapal, and Ami Bera—three have publicly endorsed Harris.
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal was the first to show support, announcing on social media: “Kamala Harris for President. Let’s beat Donald Trump and make history.” She also had a supportive phone call with Harris, stating, “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, representing California’s 17th district, expressed pride in endorsing 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 energize our party. We can now run on a message of hope and a vision for the future.”
Shri Thanedar from Michigan’s 13th district also voiced his support: “I respect Biden’s decision and fully support his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris. She would be a fantastic nominee and an amazing President. I look forward to another four years of a Democratic presidency that prioritizes people.”
The remaining two Indian-American lawmakers, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Ami Bera, commended Biden for his presidency and decision. Krishnamoorthi stated, “Joe Biden has demonstrated the true and selfless nature of a life committed to putting the country and his fellow Americans first.” Bera praised Biden’s accomplishments, noting, “From historic infrastructure investments to restoring American leadership globally, I am proud of what we’ve achieved under his leadership.”
Several prominent Indian-Americans have also endorsed Harris, including Virginia State Senator Suhas Subramanyam, who called her “the right leader at the right time,” and Neil Makhija, Montgomery County Commissioner, who plans to host fundraising events for her campaign. Ashwin Ramaswami, a Georgia State Senate candidate, emphasized the importance of Harris’s candidacy for AAPI representation. The Asian American Action Fund PAC, led by chair Albert Shen, has also endorsed Harris, praising her commitment to equality, opportunity, and justice.
Diaspora leader MR Rangaswami and US-India relations expert Ronak D Desai both expressed confidence in Harris’s ability to strengthen US-India ties. Democratic Party delegate Jai Bhandari highlighted her experience and capability to challenge Donald Trump.
With the Indian-American community holding significant public service roles and making up just over 1.5% of the US population, their increasing influence reflects a growing contribution to American society.
As the Democratic Party’s likely nominee, Harris is poised to make history as the first woman of color elected President if she wins the November 5 election.