What Usha Vance’s rise to prominence means to other South Asian and Hindu Americans

Usha Chilukuri Vance, entered the spotlight this week as the wife of JD Vance, former President Trump’s running mate in the 2024 presidential election.

Her rise comes at a time when, across the aisle, there’s another prominent figure of South Asian descent: Vice President Kamala Harris, the nation’s first woman and person of color in her role.

During its primaries, the Republican Party also saw increased South Asian representation with presidential candidates including Vivek Ramaswamy, Nikki Haley and Tulsi Gabbard.

Some Indian American political empowerment groups say they’re glad there’s more representation. Still, they don’t think Usha Vance’s rise to prominence will sway more liberal South Asian American voters. Others say what needs to be examined is how the GOP responds to hate speech made about her religious identity.

On Wednesday, Usha Vance introduced her husband, Ohio’s junior senator, at the Republican National Convention by talking about their relationship.

“I grew up in San Diego, in a middle-class community with two loving parents, both immigrants from India and a wonderful sister,” she said at the convention. “That JD and I could meet at all, let alone fall in love and marry is a testament to this great country.”

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