Indian-American voters courted through dosas, Diwali and temple visits

Indian-American voters are receiving increased attention from US midterm candidates through restaurant visits, Diwali celebrations and temple gatherings, according to reports on October 31. In Irving, near Dallas, Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico joined a dosa-making session at an Indian restaurant.

Talarico spread batter on a hot pan, added a spicy potato filling and served the folded dosa on a plate lined with a banana leaf. People attending applauded the cooking effort, according to the reports.

He is challenging Republican nominee Ken Paxton in Texas, a state that has traditionally favoured Republicans. The restaurant visit took place in an area with a substantial Indian-American community.

Community events feature across several states

The effort to engage Indian-American voters extends beyond Texas. Candidates and elected representatives have attended religious and cultural gatherings in states where the community has a sizeable presence.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, who is seeking re-election, joined a Diwali event at the State Capitol. Deputy Secretary of State Jennifer Barahona attended alongside him.

In Ohio, Congressman Greg Landsman participated in the 11th Patotsav at Sharonville's BAPS Swaminarayan Temple, an observance marking its consecration anniversary. Diwali festivities at Akshardham also drew Cory Booker, the senator from New Jersey.

Pennsylvania outreach included a Harrisburg temple visit by two congressmen, Randy Fine and Scott Perry. Another representative, John James, called at a Swaminarayan temple in Michigan, where he explored its traditions and the community's approach to service.

Indian-Americans have significant populations in states including California, Texas, New Jersey, New York, Washington, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Georgia. Reports highlighted the potential importance of their votes in competitive states such as Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and North Carolina.

Where margins are narrow, a shift of one or two percentage points could affect a contest's result. The community visits form part of candidates' efforts to build support through direct contact during the midterm campaign.

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