In a recent survey, Indian-Americans have flagged inflation as the leading election issue, with other top concerns varying among different groups. The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace’s “2024 Indian American Attitudes Survey” reveals that inflation, impacting prices, was the main concern for 17% of those surveyed, while issues like abortion and the job market/economy followed closely, each cited by 13% of respondents.
The survey also pointed out a partisan divide among Indian-American voters. Republican respondents prioritized the economy, including both inflation and jobs, with 39% highlighting it as their main concern. This compares to 24% of Democrats who shared similar economic concerns. For Democrats, abortion was a leading issue, with 19% identifying it as their priority, while only 5% of Republicans ranked it highest.
Reflecting broader political sentiment, Republicans, led by former President Donald Trump, have consistently criticized Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democrats on economic management and immigration policies. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party has focused primarily on defending abortion rights, followed by economic concerns.
The Carnegie survey, conducted online by YouGov, involved 714 Indian-American participants from September 18 to October 15, 2024. Respondents ranked their most pressing issues for the upcoming election, revealing other priorities beyond inflation and the economy. Immigration was important for 10%, healthcare for 9%, and environmental concerns for 8%. Issues like civil liberties (7%), crime (6%), government spending and taxes (5%), and US-India relations (4%) were less central.
The report noted that over 5.2 million people of Indian descent now reside in the U.S., making them the second-largest immigrant group. With significant growth and professional accomplishments, Indian-Americans have gained notable political influence, particularly in close presidential races. The community’s evolving interests reflect both their U.S. experiences and connections to India.
