South Asian voters watched Nikki Haley exit the presidential race on Wednesday without much fanfare. Many said they felt uninspired by Haley, who they said had a flimsy connection to the Indian American community.
South Asian American voters are pointing to what they say was Nikki Haley’s flimsy connection to the community after she exited the presidential race Wednesday morning.
Indian Americans specifically, 68% of whom lean Democratic, said they struggled with her presence on the campaign trail: A member of their community made it so far on a national stage, but they felt she didn’t represent them.
The GOP primary campaign has been a road of mixed feelings for the community after Haley and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy captured headlines and much of the spotlight on debate stages.
“I’m glad it’s over,” said Ashwin Ramaswami, 24, a Gen Z candidate making his first bid for the state Senate in Georgia. “It was fascinating to watch.”
Experts say Haley’s policies veered far from the priorities of Indian American voters. Though she presented herself as a more moderate alternative to former President Donald Trump, she fell short for South Asians on issues like guns, the climate and reproductive rights, said Varun Nikore, the executive director of the nonprofit AAPI Victory Alliance.
Haley’s exit effectively solidifies Trump’s nomination. Her campaign did not respond to a request for comment.
“Nikki was still in the extremist camp — frankly, in the Trump camp — on all of those key issues,” he said. “She is so far out of touch with South Asian Americans and the vast majority of AAPIs, as well.”
Haley’s exit brings a combination of relief and worry, voters say. She didn’t represent them well, they say, but a Biden-Trump rematch worries them, too.
“Nikki Haley has come up in a lot of conversations amongst my South Asian friends and…
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