According to a new poll by AAPI Data and APIAVote, Vice President Kamala Harris is viewed more favorably than former President Donald Trump by Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) voters. Around 60% of AAPI voters have a favorable opinion of Harris, compared to just 30% for Trump.
Harris, who is both Black and South Asian American, resonates with AAPI voters, with about half feeling that she better represents their cultural background compared to Trump. However, only 3 in 10 voters consider her South Asian identity extremely important to their support.
While Harris has not emphasized her gender in the campaign, about half of AAPI women voters feel her identity as a woman is important. Younger AAPI voters, especially women between 18 and 34, are more likely to care about her gender than her race.
The poll shows that Democratic organizers have been more active in reaching AAPI voters, with 40% saying they’ve heard from the Democratic Party. In comparison, only 30% have been contacted by Republicans.
While Trump maintains some support among AAPI voters, particularly on issues like the economy and crime, the poll reveals that around 70% of AAPI voters find racism to be a key “dealbreaker” issue. Trump’s negative comments on race could be a barrier to gaining more support.
Karthick Ramakrishnan, founder of AAPI Data, believes the Republican Party could make progress with AAPI voters on issues like the economy and crime. Harris has tried to address these concerns through policy proposals, but Republicans may still have an opportunity to chip away at Democratic support.
