Indian-American Lawmakers Throw Weight Behind Kamala Harris As Biden Quits US Presidential Race

Most Indian-American lawmakers threw their weight behind US President Joe Biden’s decision to bow out of the 2024 race to the White House and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s nominee.

Biden’s choice to nominate Harris, who has been serving as the US’ first female, first Black, and first South Asian vice president since 2021, came after intense pressure from Democrats following his poor debate performance against Republican rival and former President Donald Trump last month. Here’s how Indian-American lawmakers reacted to Biden’s decision to step down:

Pramila Jayapal

On Sunday, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the ruling Democratic Party’s presidential nominee, thus being the first among the five Indian American lawmakers to do so. In a post on social media, Jayapal threw her full support to Harris, saying, “Kamala Harris for President. Let’s beat Donald Trump and make history.” The two also spoke over the phone as well on a day of fast-moving political developments.

“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!” Jayapal said. A four-term lawmaker, Jayapal is the first Indian-American woman to be elected to the House of Representatives. Over the last few years, she has emerged as a powerful voice in the party and is considered one of the most influential Democratic lawmakers.  In a lengthy statement, Jayapal said millions of Americans cast their ballots for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the primary.

Shri Thanedar

“Finally Indian-Americans are in mainstream American politics now…now we get to see that Indian-Americans are participating actively in politics…Kamala Harris being of Indian-American descent is a proud moment for the Indian-Americans in the US,” Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar was quoted as saying ANI.

In a post on X, he added, “Joe Biden has been a historic president, and has shown an unimpeachable dedication to serving every American. His decision to step down today was just another example of this leadership and patriotism. His term as the 46th President was one of historic climate investments, infrastructure improvements, record low unemployment, lower drug prices, increased gun control, and support for the working American. These changes will be revered and remembered for decades to come. However, now is the time to pass the torch to the next champion of these ideals: Kamala Harris. I offer her my full support as she fights to defend our democracy and defeat Donald Trump in November.”

Raja Krishnamoorthi

On Biden pulling out of the presidential election, US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said, “Joe Biden today showed what a true America-first policy looks like, putting the country above himself by stepping aside as Democratic nominee for the presidency. As President, he has accomplished more in 4 years than many presidents. He is passing the torch to a new generation of leaders. He endorses Kamala Harris. Kamala Harris will be a formidable contender for the Democratic nomination for the presidency.”

Ro Khanna

“I am proud to endorse @KamalaHarris 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,” US House Representative Rohit Khanna said in a post on X. “Biden will be remembered as an extraordinary President for starting to reverse 40+ years of economic policy that has devastated working class communities. He showed us what it means to put country first to save American democracy and now he is putting our country ahead of self interest,” he said in another post.

Gen-Z Ashwin Ramaswami

Indian-American Democrat Ashwin Ramaswami, the first Indian-American from Gen Z to run for a state or federal legislature in the US, has endorsed Kamala Harris as the party’s presidential nominee, saying it “would be a major step forward for Indian-American and AAPI representation in this country”.

“Vice President Harris would make history as the first Indian American President of the United States,” said Ramaswami whose parents immigrated to the US from Tamil Nadu in 1990. Generation Z (also known as Zoomers) encompasses those born between 1997 and 2012. “This would be a major step forward for Indian-American and AAPI ( Asian American and Pacific Islanders) representation in this country and is an inspiration to young people such as me. And just like Kamala Harris’s mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, my mother is from Besant Nagar, Chennai, which makes this incredibly special for me,” he said.

Tulsi Gabbard

“Biden’s out, Kamala is in. Don’t be fooled: policies won’t change. Just like Biden wasn’t the one calling the shots, Kamala Harris won’t be either. She is the new figurehead for the deep state and the maidservant of Hillary Clinton, queen of the cabal of warmongers. They will continue their efforts to engulf the world in war and taking away our liberty,” said Hindu-American lawmaker Tulsi Gabbard, who was the 2020 US Presidential candidate.