South Asian Texans Mobilize for Midterms Amid Rising Hate

South Asian communities in Texas are mobilizing for the 2026 midterm elections in response to a sharp increase in racist and xenophobic rhetoric. A survey conducted by the South Asian American Voter Empowerment of Texas Education Fund and the University of California, San Diego, revealed that 57.5% of South Asian Texans experienced hate based on race, religion, or immigration status over the past year.

This climate is linked to far-right policies and public actions. Texas Governor Greg Abbott designated the Council on American-Islamic Relations as a terrorist organization, while Attorney General Ken Paxton filed lawsuits to shut down the organization and launched investigations into H1-B visa fraud. Additionally, the United States Department of Homeland Security posted and later deleted an AI-generated image mocking a Sikh man's driving.

Violence has also escalated across the U.S., including the stabbing of a Sikh truck driver in Wyoming and an attempted mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Illinois. In response, Texas State Representative Salman Bhojani launched the Religious Freedom Caucus to promote tolerance. Nonpartisan groups like Indian American Impact are increasing voter engagement, with early voting numbers already surpassing 2022 levels as the community seeks to influence tight electoral races.