Niraj Antani, a Republican vying for a seat in the US Congress, is actively emphasizing his Hindu faith, while Bhavini Patel, a Democratic candidate, faces accusations of seeking support from Hindu nationalist donors. Additionally, donors of Indian descent are urging the Biden-Harris campaign to include a dedicated "Hindu page" in its 2024 campaign manifesto. This signals the emergence of the "Hindu Vote" as a factor in US politics.
Though exact figures are unavailable due to the US Census not recording religious affiliations, various estimates suggest the Hindu population in the US. According to the Pew Research Center, around 0.7% of Americans were Hindu in 2015, projected to reach 4.8 million by 2050. Harvard Divinity School estimated 2.5 million Hindus in 2018, while some Hindu Americans suggest a figure as high as 5 million, inclusive of Sikhs and Jains.
The political influence of Hindus extends beyond their numbers to their capacity for significant campaign donations. For instance, Niraj Antani, a Republican candidate from Ohio, prominently identifies as Hindu and received endorsement from the Hindu American PAC. Conversely, Bhavini Patel, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, faces criticism for allegedly courting Hindu nationalist donors and her unwavering support for Israel.
The growing prominence of the "Hindu vote" in US politics is evident as donors urge the Biden-Harris campaign for a dedicated "Hindu page" in its manifesto. Despite previous attempts being unsuccessful, these donors aim to secure President Biden's support by leveraging Hindu American votes to counterbalance potential backlash from Arab and Muslim voters, particularly in crucial swing states like Wisconsin, Georgia, and Pennsylvania.
Hindu Americans express confidence in their political influence, citing their perceived role in Glenn Youngkin's gubernatorial victory in Virginia and their ability to persuade Gavin Newsom to veto legislation regarding caste discrimination in California. This rising political consciousness among Hindu Americans, distinct from the broader Indian American community, is partly attributed to the rise of the BJP in India and the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
While several Indian American politicians, such as Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, and Pramila Jayapal, identify as Hindu, they have typically not emphasized their faith for political gain. However, newer members like Shri Thanedar have taken a bolder stance, leading the Hindu Caucus in the House of Representatives.
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