A groundbreaking study has revealed that Indian-Americans overwhelmingly support Democratic candidates, contributing nearly three times more to their campaigns than to Republicans. The research, titled “An Emerging Lobby: An Analysis of Campaign Contributions from Indian-Americans (1998–2022),” was conducted by scholars Karnav Popat and Vishnu Prakash of Ashoka University, along with Joyojeet Pal from the University of Michigan.
Published in September 2025, the report examines over two decades of campaign donations using Federal Election Commission data compiled by OpenSecrets. The findings highlight a consistent trend: Indian-Americans have steadily aligned with Democrats through financial contributions, marking their influence in US politics.
During the 2020 presidential race, the community donated $46.6 million to Democratic candidates, compared to just $16.3 million to Republicans. This preference was even starker in 2016, when less than 1 percent of Indian-American contributions went to then-President Donald Trump’s campaign.
The study also shed light on the professional backgrounds of donors. Contributions are concentrated in industries such as technology, finance, healthcare, and academia—sectors where Indian-Americans have built strong professional representation. These focused contributions not only reflect economic influence but also amplify the community’s political visibility.
Today, the Indian-American population has grown to over 4.9 million, cementing its role as one of the most prominent immigrant communities in the United States. Their political participation extends beyond donations; six Indian-Americans were elected to Congress in the 2024 elections, demonstrating increasing representation in government.
Although the analysis does not cover campaign finance trends from the 2024 cycle, it emphasizes the steady growth of Indian-American engagement with the political process. By consistently supporting Democrats, the community has positioned itself as a key player in shaping electoral outcomes.
Experts believe this trend underlines a broader shift in the community’s identity, moving from primarily economic success to active involvement in public policy and governance. With strong representation across vital sectors and continued growth in political visibility, Indian-Americans are likely to play an even more influential role in US politics in the years ahead.
