Edmund Liu’s political shift from the Democratic Party to Donald Trump in the lead-up to the November election encapsulates a broader trend among Asian American voters, particularly in areas like Arcadia and Temple City in California. Initially drawn to the Democratic Party for its perceived immigrant advocacy, Liu began questioning his allegiance while living in Arcadia, where rising living costs and increased crime left him feeling unsettled. A pivotal moment for Liu came when he witnessed alarming videos of thefts occurring nearby, which solidified his decision to switch parties. His story is reflective of a growing number of Asian American voters who feel disenfranchised by their traditional party affiliation, swayed by issues like economic hardship, crime, and immigration concerns.
This sentiment was echoed across the Arcadia and Temple City regions, which are majority Asian, as many voters voiced their frustrations regarding the direction of the country over the past four years. Even though both areas remained Democratic strongholds, Trump made significant gains compared to the previous election. For instance, Kamala Harris’s share of votes dropped from 60% in 2020 to 54% this year in Arcadia, while Trump’s share increased to 43%. Observations from local officials, such as Arcadia Mayor Michael Cao, indicated a palpable frustration among constituents, leading to a collective desire for change that many voters felt they could find with Trump.
Asian American voting trends within these regions mirrored patterns observed nationwide. An increase in support for Trump among Asian Americans can be attributed to concerns over inflation, rising crime rates, and illegal immigration. Polls reveal that 39% of Asian Americans opted for Trump in the recent election, marking a notable increase from the previous cycle. The political climate, compounded by rising anti-Asian sentiment during the pandemic, allowed Republicans to position themselves as proponents of law and order, resonating with voters like Nina Chen, a former Obama supporter who voted for Trump in hopes of economic revitalization.
Experts have highlighted that the shift among Asian American voters could be a temporary reaction to pressing issues like the economy and crime rather than signs of enduring ideological changes. As Arcadia has historically been a destination for affluent Asian immigrants due to its high-quality school district and desirable living conditions, the recent uptick in crime has led even traditionally Democratic voters to reconsider their allegiances. Councilmembers from the area have reported an increase in constituents expressing dissatisfaction with how local crime and economic factors have been managed, prompting many to examine their options.
Despite the shift in support for Trump, many voters in Arcadia still recognized the limitations of a president’s impact on crime. However, the rhetoric surrounding crime and immigration has proven compelling. Individuals like Jeff Chang expressed a newfound interest in Republican policies, believing that they can better handle these growing concerns. This viewpoint resonates with many residents who have become increasingly aware of security, particularly concerning their local neighborhoods and businesses.
As the election concluded, new records were set in Arcadia, with the city council now entirely composed of Asian American members. Yet, the political views of constituents are far from uniform. While some, like Susan Guo, cite economic concerns and high-profile endorsements as reasons for supporting Trump, others have shifted to supporting Democrats over issues like housing affordability and public safety. The complexities of voters’ motivations, including rising living costs and fear of crime, suggest that Asian Americans may continue to navigate their political identities in response to both local and national narratives. As they grapple with these challenges, their voting patterns will likely influence the evolving political landscape in the U.S. going forward.
