Kannan Udayarajan’s decision to become politically active was sparked by a mocking incident at a Donald Trump rally four years ago, where Sen. David Perdue repeatedly mispronounced Kamala Harris’ name. This incident led Udayarajan to become the leader of the Forsyth County Democratic Party and take a stand against such behavior. The changing demographics of Forsyth County, particularly the growing Asian American population, played a crucial role in delivering new Democratic votes in the 2020 election.
The 2020 election demonstrated the importance of every vote in Georgia, with President Biden winning by a slim margin. Asian American voters are seen as a potentially decisive factor in elections, given their rising population in battleground states like Georgia. These voters come from diverse backgrounds and have varying views on political issues, with economic concerns often driving their voting decisions. The Atlanta suburbs have seen a significant increase in the Asian American population over the past two decades, leading to a more diverse political landscape.
National surveys show that Asian American voters tend to lean Democratic, with a majority planning to support Kamala Harris in the upcoming election. The growth of the Asian American electorate presents an opportunity for both political parties to engage with this demographic group. While Democrats have been more proactive in their outreach to Asian American voters, Republicans are also making efforts to appeal to this group, though their strategies may differ.
Down-ballot candidates in Georgia, like Ashwin Ramaswami, are aiming to capitalize on the excitement generated by Harris’ candidacy to challenge incumbent Republicans in traditionally red areas. The participation of Asian American voters in these races could make a significant impact on the outcome. Sonjui Kumar and her group “South Asians for Harris” are working tirelessly to mobilize Asian American voters in Georgia and support the Democratic ticket in the upcoming election. The grassroots efforts of these groups could prove pivotal in tipping the scales in favor of Democrats in key districts.
As the voter registration deadline approaches and early voting begins, Kannan Udayarajan is focused on leveraging the changing demographics of Forsyth County to benefit the Democratic Party. The increasing mispronunciation of Kamala Harris’ name has served as a rallying cry for Indian Americans like Udayarajan to become more involved in the political process. The support for Harris, particularly among Asian American voters, underscores the shifting political landscape in Georgia and the importance of engaging with diverse communities to secure electoral victories. The election results in Georgia will likely hinge on the mobilization of these demographic groups and the efforts of candidates to connect with voters on critical issues.
