The Democratic Party faces a significant challenge in New Jersey as it risks losing crucial support from Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) voters in the upcoming gubernatorial election. DNC Vice Chair Shasti Conrad has issued a stark warning about the party’s lack of outreach to this important demographic. In recent comments, she highlighted, “We lost ground with many of our communities,” emphasizing that the Asian American community was one where Democrats saw a decline in support compared to previous elections.
Conrad pointed out that in 2024, more AAPI voters leaned toward Donald Trump compared to 2020, noting that Republicans have strategically engaged this group. “I’ve certainly seen there’s been a greater play from the Republican Party to reach Asian American voters,” she explained. This outreach contrasts with the Democratic Party’s overall approach, which has not prioritized engagement with AAPI communities. As Conrad remarked, Republicans have successfully tapped into voters’ fears about the economy and taxation policies, showing up in community spaces like temples and businesses.
New Jersey, home to over one million Asian Americans, stands out as a critical battleground. The state has historically leaned Democratic, but recent trends suggest that Republicans are gaining ground. Trump performed better in New Jersey during the last election, reducing his margin of loss significantly. “We’re growing in states that we need to win in,” Conrad said, referencing the rapid demographic changes in the region and the increasing importance of AAPI voters.
In terms of specific campaign strategies, both the Democratic and Republican parties face the task of addressing the unique concerns of the AAPI community. This diverse group often prioritizes issues such as immigration and the economy, including H-1B visa policies. Conrad emphasizes that the GOP has been more proactive in connecting with this community, noting their efforts to run Asian candidates. “They’ve just done more,” she said, reflecting on the increased visibility of Republicans among AAPI voters. This is particularly important in a landscape where pride in representation can significantly influence voting decisions.
Democratic candidates, including Mikie Sherrill, who is vying for the governorship, have acknowledged the need for greater outreach. Sherrill’s campaign spokesperson pointed to efforts made to partner with Asian communities and address their concerns. However, such initiatives often require more than just surface-level engagement. Effective outreach means consistently participating in cultural events and listening to voter needs—efforts that can cultivate trust and bolster connections with the community.
Furthermore, the Sherrill campaign is reportedly employing mobile outreach strategies tailored to high concentrations of AAPI voters. This includes multilingual phone banking and community canvassing. As Conrad observed, recent outreach efforts have resulted in improved sentiments from within the community. “I’ve heard a big change from the community about feeling like they were being engaged more directly,” she noted, suggesting that such proactive efforts could mitigate potential losses at the polls.
While Conrad’s analysis provides insight into the voting trends among AAPI populations, additional perspectives from local leaders like Parul Khemka add depth to the conversation. Khemka remarked on the nuanced political landscape of New Jersey, asserting that while AAPI voters have traditionally leaned Democratic, there’s a noticeable shift toward Republican candidates as the economy remains a top concern. As she stated, “Democrats … do not paint everybody with the same brush,” emphasizing the need for a tailored approach to engage a multifaceted voting bloc.
As the elections approach on November 4, the engagement of the AAPI community could be a pivotal factor in determining the outcome of the gubernatorial race. Party strategies must adapt to the evolving demographics and concerns of voters to maintain support and ensure their priorities are adequately represented in political discussions. Both the Democrats and Republicans recognize that the AAPI vote will play an integral role in this competitive political landscape, underscoring the importance of outreach and engagement for success.
"*" indicates required fields
