1 hour ago
US midterm candidates are courting Indian-American voters through dosas, Diwali events and temple visits. Their outreach reflects the community's potential influence in tightly fought battleground races.
Stock photo used for illustration
Washington,Oct 31, 2026 07:34 IST
Candidates in the US midterm elections are reaching out to Indian-American voters through community events, temple visits and cultural activities as they seek an edge in closely contested races, news agency Press Trust of India reported.
The community has a strong presence in several states and could influence results in battlegrounds where even one or two per cent of the vote can determine the outcome.
Democratic candidate James Talarico tried making dosas at an Indian restaurant in Irving, near Dallas, which has a large Indian-American population. Wearing a black suit and white shirt, he poured dosa batter onto a hot pan, spread it evenly and added a spicy potato filling. He then folded the crisp dosa and served it on a banana leaf as those present applauded.
The gesture was warmly received by members of the Indian-American community in Texas, which has faced racist attacks from a section of Republicans. Talarico is mounting a strong challenge to Republican nominee Ken Paxton in the US Senate race in the traditionally Republican state.
“James Talarico is seizing the moment. The contrast couldn't be clearer. Paxton surrounds himself with influencers calling Indians scammers and saying Indian food stinks, intimidating Indian Texans. Talarico wears a suit and makes dosas,” businessman James Blunt said in a post on X, according to PTI.
“One party serves up division. The other is serving Indian rice crepes, which, by the way, taste freaking amazing,” Blunt said.
Temples have also become popular venues for candidates seeking to connect with Indian-American voters, particularly in states with a sizeable community presence.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, who is seeking another term, attended Diwali celebrations at the State Capitol with Deputy Secretary of State Jennifer Barahona.
Ohio Congressman Greg Landsman joined the 11th Patotsav of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Sharonville, marking the anniversary of the temple's consecration.
US Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey attended Diwali celebrations at the Akshardham temple. Congressmen Randy Fine and Scott Perry visited a temple in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, as part of their outreach to the community.
Congressman John James visited a Swaminarayan temple in Michigan to learn about its traditions and the spirit of service within the Hindu-American community, PTI reported.
Indian-Americans have a strong presence in California, Texas, New Jersey, New York, Washington, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Georgia. In battleground states such as Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and North Carolina, their votes could prove important in close contests, making community outreach a key part of candidates' election campaigns.
With PTI Inputs
- Ends
