South Asian Americans are making a growing impact in politics both nationally and in Illinois. This includes current Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, who identifies as half Indian, Former Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, Illinois’ 8th Congressional District Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, and State Representative Nabeela Syed to name a few.

While Indian-Americans are the largest group, the Pew Research Center found that voters in other South Asian communities include more than a quarter-million Pakistani- Americans, 100,000 Bangladeshis, 47,000 Nepalese, and 23,000 Sri Lankans.  Besides being ethnically diverse, South Asians come from various religious backgrounds with contrasting political views as well. 

The first South Asian mayor of Moline, the head of an Illinois-based civic group for Muslims, and a Sikh activist voting third party in the upcoming election, join the 21st to discuss what role identity politics plays, why some South Asians may be drifting away from the Democratic party, and what makes this voting bloc unique. 

GUESTS

Sangeetha Rayapati
Mayor, City of Moline, Illinois 

Dilara Sayeed
President, Illinois Muslim Civic Coalition 

Satnaam Singh Mago 
Sikh Activist