The United States witnessed quite a shakeup at the top of the Democratic ticket lately.

What You Need To Know

  • Indian Americans living in N.C. are closely watching the race for the White House

  • VP Kamala Harris is likely to become the first Indian American and woman of color to represent the Democratic Party as the presidential candidate

  • Usha Vance, the wife of JD Vance, is also Indian American

  • Records show nearly 130,000 Asian Americans are registered to vote in N.C.

Vice President Kamala Harris will likely become the first Indian American and woman of color to receive the presidential nominee for either party.

President Joe Biden’s decision to step down from a chance to win a second term has sparked chatter throughout the political arena, particularly with Indian Americans living in North Carolina like Steve Rao.

“I do think it shows as a country, even though we have a lot of work to do, how far we've come,” Rao said.

Harris is not alone. The same can be said for the representation on the Republican side.

Former President Donald Trump’s running mate is JD Vance, a junior senator from Ohio, who is married to an Indian American. Usha Vance recently joined the newly selected vice presidential nominee on the stage at the Republican National Convention.

Rao said this is a reality he could only dream of as a young boy who grew up in West Virginia.

“It really takes me back to looking at my own childhood,” Rao said.

Now Rao, the longest-serving Indian American to hold an elected office in North Carolina, said children are experiencing a world in 2024 like never before.

“We're all Americans. It doesn't matter where we come from, what our religion is, what it raises, as long as we're willing to make our union more perfect. We have a part of this democracy, and we can lead this country,” Rao said.“We're all Americans. It doesn't matter where we come from, what our religion is, what it raises, as long as we're willing to make our union more perfect. We have a part of this democracy, and we can lead this country,” Rao said.

Rao, 54, described the news as a larger-than-life feeling. 

“It’s quite exciting to see and very emotional. Never thought that could happen,” Rao said.

The Morrisville Town Councilman is a Democrat. Rao said he’d met Harris before and felt pride as he watched her political ascendance.

“Remind these children that there is no limit to what you can achieve if you work hard,” Rao said. “I just never in my lifetime ever imagined growing up that someone whose mother came from the same state in India, that my father was from Tamil Nadu, in Madras or Chennai, would become a candidate for president of the United States.”

According to data from the North Carolina State Board of Elections, as of July 27, nearly 130,000 Asian Americans living in the state are registered to vote.

Indian Americans interviewed for this story said that while it is great to see progress in the diversity of representation, voters should care about more than just a candidate’s cultural heritage. 

Rao said no matter who wins the race for the White House this fall, some young people are finding inspiration and hope from the candidates during this political season.

“Seeing that moment and saying, 'gosh, that could be me.' And there's a real power in that. The amount of people that this is going to touch across the country and across the world,” Rao said.