Politics: Indian Americans Make Waves in New Jersey
Lakshmi Garg
The Indian American community in New Jersey has been making significant strides in politics, both domestically and influencing international affairs. Here are some recent developments:
-
Elections and Milestones:
- Vin Gopal, an Indian-American state Senator, secured a third term in the New Jersey Senate in 2022. His victory was notable for its focus on key issues like abortion rights, tax relief, and increased school funding (Source: NJ.com, The Times of India).
- Upendra Chivukula became the first Indian American elected to the New Jersey legislature in 2001, paving the way for future South Asian political success (Source: IAImpact).
-
Influence on National Politics:
- Indian Americans in New Jersey have been actively supporting Democratic candidates, with groups like Indian American Impact mobilizing volunteers and running advertising campaigns to sway South Asian voters in swing states for the Harris-Walz ticket (Source: NorthJersey.com).
-
International Relations:
- Governor Phil Murphy’s economic mission trip to India in 2019 fostered relations between the two countries, securing over 1,200 new jobs and $2 billion worth of investments from Indian companies into New Jersey (Source: NJ.gov).
-
Diverse Opinions:
- While many Indian Americans in New Jersey align with the Democratic Party, there are diverse political opinions within the community. Some groups have sparred with local Democrats over issues related to Hindu nationalism and messaging (Source: Prospect).
These developments highlight the growing political influence of Indian Americans in New Jersey, both domestically and internationally. As their population continues to grow, their impact on politics is expected to become even more significant.
Sources: