Philadelphia, PA— Following last night’s presidential debate, South Asian elected leaders from across the country are applauding Vice President Kamala Harris for her compelling vision, strong leadership, and unwavering commitment to addressing the issues most important to all Americans. These leaders highlighted Harris’s clear policy proposals and her focus on creating a more inclusive and equitable future.
Here is what some of these leaders had to say:
Arvind Venkat, MD, State Representative, 30th Legislative District, House of Representatives, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:
“Tonight, we saw two starkly different visions for our nation. Vice President Harris outlined a vision that builds an economy for all, protects personal freedom and our democracy, builds a strong national defense in coordination with our long-standing allies, expands affordable healthcare, and moves us forward together. Former President Trump spouted falsehoods and gave no coherent vision for our future. The choice is clear for my fellow Pennsylvanians and Americans. Vice President Harris is the right leader to be the next President of the United States.”
K.S. Bhaskar, Supervisor, Tredyffrin Township, Pennsylvania
“Donald Trump articulated tonight to the American people why 81 million of them fired him, and why he should not be hired again.”
State Senator Nabilah Islam Parkes (GA-7):
“The debate showed the stark difference between Kamala Harris, who wants to unite this country and move forward, and Donald Trump—a xenophobe with no plans but vile hatred for immigrants, women, and our democracy,” said Senator Nabilah Islam Parkes. “Our country’s future depends on the South Asian vote, and we must show up stronger than we did in 2020 to also help make history and elect the first South Asian President of the United States.”
Dimple Ajmera, Charlotte City Councilmember, North Carolina:
“Vice President Kamala Harris was strong, clear, and confident during the presidential debate last night. She provided a positive contrast to Trump's extreme, negative, and often false statements. Vice President Harris passionately laid out a vision for our working families, including child care tax credits, a vigorous focus on entrepreneurship, the protection of women's reproductive rights, and she pledged to preserve our democracy and free elections. The choice could not be clearer. Kamala Harris for President is essential.”
Steve Rao, Council Member, Town of Morrisville
“Vice President Harris demonstrated last night on the Debate Stage that she has the experience, temperament, and vision to serve as out 46th President of the United States. Her focus on growing small businesses, and helping grow the middle class, along with her strong, coalition based Foreign Policy vision clearly provides the American people with a clear choice to elect a President that will lead all Americans, regardless of party, race, gender, or where they came from.”
Kannan Srinivasan, State Delegate, Virginia House of Delegates, 26th District
“Last night’s debate showed America that the crystal clear choice is VP Kamala Harris for President. She laid out her vision to protect health care including women’s reproductive rights, defend democracy and to grow our economy. She will ensure America’s leadership in the global stage and will be an outstanding President”
Pavan V. Parikh, Clerk of Courts, Hamilton County, Ohio:
“Tonight, Donald Trump was once again chaos incarnate and an incomprehensible embarrassment peddling conspiracy theories and outright lies. Vice President Harris was unflappable in her defense of democracy, respect for the rule of law, and vision for America’s rightful position as the leader of the free world. The contrast between the two could not have been more clear: it is time to end the Trump era in our politics and never go back. Kamala Harris is the only candidate for president who will fight for the American middle class and possesses the intellect, integrity, and presence to represent the greatness of the United States at home and abroad.“
Dr. Darshana Patel, Poway Unified School District Board of Education Trustee, California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs Commissioner, California Assembly District 76 Candidate:
“Americans want and deserve a president who will fight for our communities and unite us, not one who seeks to divide or attack us. Vice President Harris showed us a vision for the future where healthcare is both accessible and affordable, where our democracy is defended, and where a thriving middle class is a top national priority. Kamala Harris articulated this vision clearly and passionately: we are moving forward, not backward.”
Biral Patel, President - Edison Township Board of Education
“Kamala Devi Harris cleared the doubts of several undecided voters. She clearly emerged as a confident leader who is ready to move forward the greatest nation in the world.”
Pierre Saint-Perez, Alderman, City of Ithaca, NY:
“This debate showed that Kamala Harris lives in the same world that we all live in, and not in a dark fantasy where we have to hide our pets from being hunted. She reminded us that the United States is strong, and under her leadership, it will only become stronger. Most importantly, Kamala Harris has an economic plan that will uplift all of our communities, and help address our national and local housing crises, while her opponent has a plan that extracts more from community members who are already struggling to make ends meet. I know not only which choice is better for me, but my community and my city.”
Minita Sanghvi, City Council, Saratoga Springs, NY and Candidate for NYS Senate 44
“Last night’s debate made it clear as to who has a plan to help middle class Americans - VP Kamala Harris provided a blueprint on issues like inflation, affordable housing, child care and reproductive rights and freedoms. While all Trump did was lie and call people names.”
Salman Bhojani, State Representative, Euless, TX
“Last night, Vice President Harris proved to the world that this is a choice between compassionate, common sense leadership and chaos. Now more than ever, the Desi Community must come together to support this trailblazing icon as she fights for dignity, respect, and equality for all Americans, regardless of their families’ origins or what language was spoken in the house they grew up in. As a State Representative, I am proud to stand alongside her as she continues to fight for healthcare accessibility, workers’ rights, and reproductive care so that all Americans can fulfill their American dream.”
Dr. Ajay Raman, County Commissioner, 14th District Oakland County Michigan
“Following yesterday's debate, it is clear that Kamala Harris is the only real candidate for President in this election. She performed exceptionally well, showing not just her thorough grasp of the issues but also her dedication to finding tangible solutions. Harris provided well-thought-out, articulate responses based in reality.
In addition to her extensive background as a prosecutor and a leader, her ability to connect with regular people and address their common issues is what truly sets her apart. Harris's policies are based on the desires and requirements of ordinary Americans, ranging from supporting affordable healthcare to promoting economic equality.
Her leadership isn't just about policies—it's about creating a future ‘where every person has the opportunity not just to get by, but to get ahead’. Choosing Kamala Harris means opting for a president who combines empathy with expertise, dedicated to fostering a more just and caring society. Her warmth and dedication make her not only a leader, but a true advocate for the people.”
