Asian Americans rank among the fastest-growing demographics in the nation, and both Republicans and Democrats recognize this trend.
In Nevada, Asian Americans represent 12 percent of the electorate, with Filipinos taking the top spot as the largest (44%) AAPI ethnic group. Despite the growth, the 2022 Asian American Voter Survey (AAVS) indicates a lack of voter engagement in the state.
Republicans, seeing an opportunity within an uncommitted demographic, have aggressively campaigned in this swing state ahead of the 2024 November election.
Drew Johnson, a Republican nominee vying for Nevada’s 3rd congressional district, joked that he still hasn’t garnered “street cred” among the Filipino community he’s spent months wooing. From opening a congressional office, indulging in traditional Filipino feasts, and singing karaoke at Filipino residents’ homes, some members have dubbed him an “honorary Filipino.”
To maintain their tether with AAPI voters, Democrats have launched various campaigns to engage this growing demographic.
Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) mingled with Las Vegas’ South Asian community during an Oct. 16 meet and greet, where she emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses and encouraging voter participation. Attendees enjoyed snacks like aloo tikki and Indian chicken tacos, and many AAPI members reported an uptick in political engagement among older community members.
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are also vying for this battleground state.
According to NBC News, the Harris campaign has ramped up its efforts by using “‘Pinoy Pride’ slogans, meals with community members, in-language ads, and recruiting Filipino Americans.” The VP has reportedly spent $90 million on TV spots as part of a media buy across swing states. The spots will air on ethnic platforms like the Filipino Channel, 3HmongTV, SBS Television Korean, and Zee TV.
The ads have followed a long path of courting the Nevada AAPI community. The Biden-Harris campaign in Nevada held its first event at Filipino-owned Truffles and Bacon with fellow local and state Democrats. Harris’ running mate Tim Walz and his wife have also made several appearances at Asian-owned establishments in the state, such as Tiabi Coffee and Waffles and Xiao Long Dumplings restaurant in Las Vegas’ Chinatown.
In an interview with the New York Times, Filipino American Joel Enriquez expands on Harris’ efforts, “We’re not just warm bodies at their campaign events anymore,” said Enriquez, who owns a small business and was featured in an ad released last week for Ms. Harris. “They actually want to engage with us now.”
The Trump campaign has garnered AAPI support within the swing state as well, touting a “Filipinos for Trump in Nevada” group that meets monthly.
The former president held an event targeted toward Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) voters. The 90-minute rally praised Filipinos alongside his usual speech.
“[Filipinos] had the most beautiful clothing,” Trump said. “I said, ‘Where the hell do all these people come from?’ And when they told me, that’s why I put that little paragraph in there … you are the greatest people, hardest working, and we’re gonna take care of you. You’re gonna take care of us! What great spirit.”
Speaking to NBC News, Halee Dobbins, RNC’s state communication director in Nevada, says, “In Nevada, Team Trump has been on the ground engaging with Asian American voters, including the Filipino community.”
The AANHPI voter bloc is the fastest-growing demographic group in Nevada, and it has historically supported Democratic candidates. In 2020, Biden captured 64% of the Asian American vote, as opposed to Trump’s 35%. However, Republicans are optimistic about gaining ground in the state. In 2022’s midterm election, Nevada Democratic Gov. Steve Sisolak won the AANHPI vote, but only by 8 percentage points, per exit polls.
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