BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Atlanta, GA, October 11, 2024: Per AAPI Data, Georgia is home to about 328,000 Asian American and Pacific Islander eligible voters – a substantial number given how Harris and Trump are locked in an exceedingly close presidential race. The numbers offer opportunities for both political parties with markedly different outreach efforts from Democrats and Republicans.
With the surge in AAPI voter base, growing influence of Indian Americans in the American political landscape is also quite evident. While Indian Americans constitute 0.6% of the adult citizen population in the United States, they make up nearly double that proportion in the U.S. House of Representatives. About 4.4% of senior positions in government are filled by Indian Americans, according to a recent report by San Francisco-based Indiaspora.
Atlanta’s Himanshu Karnwal brought together Republican candidates Narender G Reddy, running for election to the Georgia House of Representatives to represent District 50, Shawn Still, running for re-election to the Georgia State Senate to represent District 48, Matt Reeves, running for re-election to the Georgia House of Representatives to represent District 99., Scott Hilton, running for re-election to the Georgia House of Representatives to represent District 48, Todd Jones, running for re-election to the Georgia House of Representatives to represent District 25, Rey Martinez, running for re-election to the Georgia House of Representatives to represent District 111 and Carter Barrett, running for re-election to the Georgia House of Representatives to represent District 24. at a Meet and Greet event to mingle and discuss issues at Tonys Johns Creek on September 29, 2024. The event was anchored by Priyanka Gaddam and Shraddha Dubal. Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry and city council members Bob Erramilli, Dilip Tunki, and Larry DiBiase graced the occasion.
The evening opened with remarks from Mayor Bradberry who opened with “I come from a Middle class family.” He acknowledged the complexity of issues in the city of Johns Creek and the need to address them. Bradberry raised concerns about the lack of media coverage of the recent ICE report concerning immigrants who have committed crimes and are still at large. He also criticized the media for not reporting on Kamala’s proposal to tax Americans for a “play and pay” system. Bradberry urged the audience to spread awareness about these issues, emphasizing the importance of maintaining and fighting for policies that support American values and lifestyles. He encouraged the audience to support candidates and actively engage on social media to inform others and ensure they vote.
“I want community voices to be heard. I want people (Indian Americans) to participate in the election process. Most of the Indian American families stay off the grid and don’t get involved in the process. My idea (for the Meet and greet ) is to bring them upfront and present all the candidates and their backgrounds, so they can decide who to vote for. But it is important for the community to get engaged with the process and that is the my main intention in organizing this event,” Karnwal, said. The event had participation from representatives of over 20 Indian American organizations across Atlanta.
“We got five percent of representatives of Metro Atlanta right here, today and it shows you how important you guys are to us,” Rey Martinez, GA State Rep District 111 remarked. Emphasizing the significance of the Indian community in Georgia, Martinez highlighted major contributions and rapid growth as the fastest-growing trade partner in the state over the past five years, including specific metrics including India exporting $235 million to Georgia in 2022 and increasing imports from India by 30% to $4.8 billion in a year. Martinez also stressed upon the critical need for the community to support their representatives to maintain a legislative majority, noting the delicate balance of power with 102 Republicans and 78 Democrats. The urgency, he noted, is underscored by the potential for Georgia to become like other heavily Democratic states if they lose more seats. The message is clear: “The Indian community’s involvement and voting power are crucial for Georgia’s continued success and business-friendly environment.”
“Reddy is ready, if you are ready,” Reddy quoted. Reddy, who lost the previous election by only 800 votes, underscored the importance of the voting and picking the right candidates. “My top priority is education,” Reddy told NRI Pulse. Some legislators, he noted wanted to render Hope Scholarship income based while it is meant for merit based students. Mr. Reddy says making is income based will take away the opportunity for merit-based students of receiving full scholarship. Making Johns Creek Crime free, he said, noting that Safety of the residents one of his top agenda items. While Johns Creek is one of the top ranking cities in the state, he noted it is essential to continue the trend. His worry, he says stems from the fact that the there is information increase in illegal immigrants into the city. Infrastructure – he said was also a key issue that rides on his mind. “Indian America are on the forefront of technology , academics, medicine, business, and so many other fields, but weak in politics,” he said. Elaborating further, he said when we don’t vote as a community, we will not have leaders or a voice for the community in leadership roles. In GA assemble we have 186 seats, in state senate 58 seats, and no Indian American has been elected, while there are representations from other Asian communities such as China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Thailand. “So one of the purpose of me running for this election is that, others can believe that they too can participate in the system and get elected.”
“The Indian community gave me the great idea to reduce property taxes in Gwinnett and we got that done,” Rep. The bill Reeves sponsored alongside a group of bipartisan Gwinnett legislators, doubles the homestead exemption for all Gwinnett County homeowners and was approved by 73.81 percent of voters. Additionally, House Bill 748, providing further homeowner tax relief for school, law enforcement, hospital and military personnel, passed with 63.47 percent of the vote. Matt told NRI Pulse that he intends to he wishes to continue to do that for Gwinnett residents, fight to keep communities safe, and continue to protect the healthcare workforce.
Senator Still co-authored new legislation giving parents the decision to send their children to a better school. Senate Bill 233, the Georgia School Choice Bill, empowers parents and children with better educational options. The new law grants a $6,500 voucher to parents of children in failing school districts so they can move their children to a private school or homeschool program. As Senator, Still had addressed issues regarding Tax cuts, end Squatting, and election integrity.
“My number one priority is economy,” State Rep. Hilton stated. Fighting Inflation, and reducing taxes he said very important to him. Promoting Education and keeping communities safe, he added also ranked high in his list of priorities for his district. Hilton identified property taxes as one of the issues and said that he would work towards reducing it. He alluded to a referendum on the ballot that voters need to take note of in this regard.
Ensuring Georgia is the best place to raise a family, grow a business, and watch children succeed are some of Jones’ top priorities for his district. He is also focused on passing a responsible budge, improving healthcare, investing in public safety, and expanding transportation options in GA.
Improving education, Barrett told NRI Pulse was one of the top issues he would tackle if reelected. As Vice-Chair of the Higher Education Dual Enrollment Committee, he will continue to work to improve this program and provide more opportunities for Georgia students. “I believe parents know what is best for their children, and I realize that a one-size-fits-all model does not work. Therefore, I will prioritize school choice.” Reducing Taxes, protecting privacy, public safety, protecting seniors, and securing elections are some of his priorities for his district.
