At an Oct. 16 meet and greet with Las Vegas’ South Asian community, attendees snacked on aloo tikki and Indian chicken tacos, mingled with politicians and took in the moment.
Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV), engaging with community members by name, spoke about growing small businesses and the importance of participating in the election. Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV), who represents the Asian American Pacific Islander-heavy (AAPI) Spring Valley and southwestern Las Vegas area, shook hands. And Maya Harris, the vice president’s sister, received an enthusiastic cheer from the audience when she stopped by.
Multiple attendees reported that their elderly parents were politically engaged for the first time, excited by the prospect of sending an Indian American to the White House.
“I’m feeling very positive, very optimistic,” said Assemblyman Reuben D’Silva (D-North Las Vegas), Nevada’s first South Asian elected official. “Kamala Harris’ candidacy has really energized the South Asian community in a very dramatic way. She’s Auntie Kamala.”