Democratic presidential nominee U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris attends a campaign event in Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S. October 11, 2024 / REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz

As we approach another critical election this November, I am reminded of the immense significance of Vice President Kamala Harris’s journey—her candidacy isn’t just about policy or politics. It’s about representation, aspiration, and bringing our communities together.

 Vice President Harris has consistently championed values that resonate with millions of Americans, and particularly with the Indian American community, of which I am proudly a part. Her candidacy for President represents not only progress for this community but a step forward for a more inclusive, equitable America.

As the son of immigrants myself, I come from a background where the intersection of cultures was always part of my identity—navigating both the Indian and American worlds and finding a place that allowed me to be fully myself. 

Harris’s journey mirrors this in profound ways. She is the daughter of immigrants, raised with both the traditions of her Indian and Black heritage while navigating American society. When I see Harris on the national stage, I see someone who has turned the experience of being “between two worlds” into a strength. 

Her candidacy has empowered the dreams of countless immigrants that make up our nation, those who have left behind everything for a better future for their children.

Through my candidacy for Georgia State Senate, I understand what it means to break barriers. If elected, I would be the first Indian American state legislator and youngest state senator in Georgia. My mother, like Vice President Harris’s mother, hails from Besant Nagar in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. 

This shared connection makes Harris’s story deeply personal for me. It shows people like me that we belong in spaces of leadership and that our voices matter in shaping the future of this country.

Vice President Harris is a symbol of what’s possible, and her rise is a direct testament to the strength of our democracy. Her presence in the White House sends a powerful message to every child of immigrants: that no matter your background, you can reach the highest echelons of public service. 

In her, we see the culmination of struggles endured by our parents, who sacrificed to provide us with the opportunities that they never had. This is not only a story of her success but of our collective aspirations as a community.

The 2024 election Is not just about picking the next President; it’s about choosing the direction of our country. It’s about rejecting the politics of division, exclusion, and extremism, and embracing unity, progress, and representation. 

It’s about focusing on issues that most Americans, regardless of party, believe in; protecting access to reproductive healthcare, passing gun safety laws to protect children in schools, and making transformative investments in our future. With my own experience working on the frontlines of securing our elections, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of ensuring that every vote counts and that every voice is heard. 

Democracy, at its core, is about people, and leaders like Kamala Harris understand that it’s our collective stories, dreams, and voices that shape this nation.

For young people like myself, representation is transformative. Seeing someone who looks like you, who understands the complexities of navigating multiple identities, and who is in a position of power, can change how you see yourself and your place in the world. 

When I decided to run for State Senate, I did so with the belief that our government should reflect the people it serves. Our communities are stronger when our leaders understand the experiences of those they represent. Harris embodies this understanding—an understanding rooted in her experiences as a woman of color, a child of immigrants, and a public servant.

The 2024 election Is a critical moment for our democracy. We must decide whether we will move forward with a vision that includes everyone, or whether we will let fear, division, and hate dictate our path.

I stand with Vice President Harris because of her vision for America—a vision where every community, regardless of race, religion, or background, has a seat at the table. Together, we can build an America that lives up to its promise—where every child, regardless of where their parents came from, can dream without limits and achieve without barriers.

In State Senate District 48, we face our own pivotal choices. This district is the most competitive seat in the Georgia Senate, and we have the opportunity to flip it and ensure that our state legislature reflects the values of our community—rather than the incumbent, who is facing a criminal indictment and seven felony charges for attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. 

Just as I am fighting to represent my community here in Georgia, I am inspired by Vice President Harris’s fight for the broader community that is America and fighting Donald Trump’s message of chaos and division. This moment requires all of us to step up, to recommit ourselves to the ideals that define this country, and to work towards an America that truly works for everyone.

 

 

The author is Democratic nominee for Georgia State Senate in District 48.

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of New India Abroad)