As the Hindu community in Texas continues to grow, its impact on state and national politics will likely increase, driven by evolving cultural and religious ties as well as a desire for leaders who reflect their values
As Texas’ Hindu population grows, so does its presence in the state’s cultural and political landscape. This was evident in the recent celebration of Krishna Janmashtami at the ISKCON temple in Cedar Park, reported texasstandard.org.
The event, which saw a turnout of over 6,000 people, reflected both the religious devotion of the community and the burgeoning growth of Hinduism in Texas. According to the temple’s president, Satya Sara Das, the community has expanded from 50 families to nearly 250 families post-pandemic, mirroring the broader rise in the Indian American population across the state.
The latest U.S. Census data shows that Texas is home to more than 450,000 Indian Americans, nearly double the number from 2010. While not all practice Hinduism, this demographic shift is prompting increased political representation. Several Hindu judges have been elected in the Houston area, and the national political landscape features Hindu connections on both major party tickets. Vice President Kamala Harris, a practicing Christian, has a Hindu heritage through her mother. On the Republican side, Usha Vance, the wife of the vice-presidential candidate, brought her Hindu faith into the spotlight during the Republican National Convention.
The influx of new immigrants and second-generation Indian Americans into Hindu temples like ISKCON Cedar Park could influence political engagement within the community. Political scientists, like Rice University’s Tanika Raychaudhuri, note that immigrants often lack deep familial attachments to U.S. political parties, making them more susceptible to influences from their peers and community networks.
For many in the Texas Hindu community, like Umesh Tiwari, the lack of a political leader who embodies their spiritual and cultural values remains a concern
While Hindus in Texas may not be strongly aligned with any particular party, they hold clear views on key political issues. Attendees at the Janmashtami festival expressed concerns about gun control, immigration reform, and abortion. Rama Tirtha Das, who helped organize the event, voiced fears over school safety and called for stricter gun regulations. He also called for streamlined immigration procedures, describing the current system as “chaotic.”
Religious values play a role in shaping the political opinions of some Hindus, as exemplified by Satya Rupa Gaurang Das, who opposes abortion on religious grounds. This reflects broader complexities within the Indian American community, which has traditionally voted Democratic despite some conservative leanings on social issues like abortion.
The latest Asian American Voter Survey revealed that Indian American support for Joe Biden has dropped from 65% in 2020 to 46%, with a slight uptick in support for former President Donald Trump. Although Vice President Harris maintains favorable impressions within the community, her ethnic and religious background may not sway voters as much as some expect. According to Raychaudhuri, while sharing an ethnic identity with a candidate can mobilize voters, the broader Indian American electorate’s support for Harris might not translate into overwhelming votes.
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