With less than a month remaining before the U.S. Presidential election, the Indian American (IA) Impact, in collaboration with the AAPI Victory Fund and the Harris-Walz campaign, organized a Day of Action on October 5, 2024, in Georgia. The event aimed to mobilize the Asian American and Desi votes through a canvass launch.
Several prominent South Asian leaders participated, including U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), President Joe Biden’s Domestic Policy Advisor, Neera Tanden, Georgia State Senator, Nabilah Islam Parkes (District 7), and candidate for Georgia State Senate (District 48) Ashwin Ramaswami. IA Impact’s Executive Director, Chintan Patel, was also in attendance.
Representing the Harris-Walz campaign in Georgia, Rep. Jayapal in a video message expressed, “AAPIs are the margin of victory here, so let’s get out there. Let’s vote. Let’s make this happen. Make Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, our next President and Vice President of the United States.”
In a conversation with Senator Nabilah Parkes, Rep. Jayapal emphasized the importance of community engagement and representation, noting that visible support for individuals who share their cultural and values encourages community members to participate actively.
Highlighting the inspirational impact on future generations, Rep. Jayapal suggested that seeing diverse representatives in Congress “like a Nabilah and a Pramila,” can motivate young people to consider political engagement and even pursue leadership roles. She concluded by affirming that such involvement enhances policy, representation, and community engagement overall.
Rep. Jayapal’s campaign has raised over $400,000 for Harris so far, while also making 120,000 calls in support of endorsed candidates across various races. Additionally, the campaign participates in twice-weekly phone banks in coordination with the Harris-Walz team.
Tanden, who arrived in Georgia to mobilize Asian American voters for Harris, expressed her excitement to share the “vision and policies of Shyamala Gopalan Harris’ daughter,” with the community.
IA Impact’s Patel, inspired by the “incredible energy” at the canvass, shared his enthusiasm, stating he was “thrilled” to have Rep. Jayapal as a powerful ally and advocate for South Asian families, motivating the volunteers.
