Kamala Harris asks more Indian Americans to run for political office

Vice President Kamala Harris wants more Indian Americans to take part in the electoral process of the United States as the community’s representation in the corridors of power was not reflective of their growing population.

“Over the years, we’ve had so much more participation by Indian Americans in the electoral process running for office. But the numbers are still not reflective of the size of the growing population,” she said at the annual ‘Desis Decide’ summit organized by Indian American Impact, a political advocacy organization.

“And therefore what will happen, invariably it’s happened to all of us, is you are going to find yourself invariably in rooms where you are the only one who looks like you, the only one who has had your life experience,” Harris said at the May 15 event in Washington, DC.

READ: Indian American Impact Fund endorses Kamala Harris for President (April 17, 2019)

There are currently five elected Indian American members in the US Congress — Dr. Ami Bera, Pramila Jayapal, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, and Shri Thanedar. The Impact organization projects Indian American strength in the Congress to increase to 10 members in 2024.

Harris, first US vice presidentt of Indian and African descent, acknowledged the work done by the Impact to increase Indian Americans participation in the political process, but wanted more to come forward as “there is so much that we still have to do as a country.”

“It really is extraordinary. I wanted to stop by to thank of course the organization for everything and for all that it represents, but also to say especially to those who have run for office or aspire to run for office, that you must run,” the first woman US Vice President said.

“You must know that you are not alone. There is so much that we still have to do as a country and a lot of the work that we each do, which is why we are here together, is born out of a belief in the promise of America. And dare I say that, I am empirical evidence of the promise of America,” she added.

READ: Indian American Impact endorses 15 candidates (February 9, 2024)

Asking members of the audience to raise their hands if they were planning to contest the elections, Harris said, “This election coming up in six months, I think is presenting a question to each of us. Which is, what kind of world do we want to live in and what kind of country do we want to live in?”

“And one of the ways that we answer that question is to seek office and to participate in elections knowing that the outcome of those elections matter in fundamental ways.”

The Vice President also spoke about how her Indian born mother first arrived in the US in the 1950s and then participated in the civil rights movement, noting that her mom was only 19 years old when she marched for civil rights in Berkeley.

The May15-16 event was described “as a cornerstone event within our community, uniting thought leaders, influencers, and changemakers to engage in meaningful dialogue, celebrate achievements, and chart the course for our collective future.”

Featuring an impressive lineup of mainstage keynotes, including all five Indian American members of Congress, the Summit and Gala also hosted numerous networking opportunities and affinity groups, alongside sessions led by more than a dozen South Asian-led organizations across the country.