Dosas, temple visits: US midterm candidates step up outreach to Indian-American voters

Hindu temples and community celebrations have increasingly featured in their outreach efforts,

As the US midterm campaign gathers pace, Indian-American communities are increasingly finding themselves in the spotlight, with candidates turning to cultural events, temple visits and even dosa-making sessions to connect with voters who could influence the outcome of closely fought contests.In suburban Dallas, Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico recently traded campaign appearances for a cooking lesson at an Indian restaurant in Irving, an area with a sizeable Indian-American population.Dressed in a black suit and white shirt, Talarico was seen scooping dosa batter from a bowl, spreading it across a hot pan and topping it with a spicy potato filling. He then folded the crispy dosa and served it on a banana leaf-lined plate, drawing applause from those present.The outreach comes as Talarico mounts a strong challenge to Republican nominee Ken Paxton in the Senate race in traditionally Republican Texas.

Temples and Diwali celebrations become campaign stops

Restaurants are not the only places where candidates are seeking to connect with Indian-American voters. Hindu temples and community celebrations have increasingly featured in their outreach efforts, particularly in states with large Indian-American populations.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, who is seeking another term, joined Diwali celebrations organised at the State Capitol alongside Deputy Secretary of State Jennifer Barahona.In Ohio, Congressman Greg Landsman attended the 11th Patotsav celebrations at the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Sharonville, marking the anniversary of its consecration.New Jersey Senator Cory Booker also participated in Diwali celebrations at the Akshardham temple, while Congressmen Randy Fine and Scott Perry visited a temple in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.In Michigan, Congressman John James visited a Swaminarayan temple to learn about its traditions and understand the spirit of service within the Hindu-American community.With even a one- or two-percentage-point shift potentially influencing the outcome in competitive races, candidates are increasingly looking to build connections with Indian-American communities through cultural events, religious gatherings and direct engagement.