Four years ago, a mocking remark made by Republican Sen. David Perdue at a Donald Trump rally sparked a call to action for Kannan Udayarajan, a 42-year-old leader in the Forsyth County Democratic Party. Perdue's mispronunciation of Kamala Harris' name ignited Udayarajan's determination to stand up against such behavior and mobilize his community.
Located about 30 miles northeast of Atlanta, Forsyth County has seen a significant increase in its Asian American population over the past two decades, mirroring a trend in neighboring counties. These voters are poised to play a crucial role in the upcoming election, particularly in support of Kamala Harris.
Udayarajan highlighted the impact of Forsyth County's shifting demographics, noting that in the 2020 election, the county delivered 16,000 new Democratic votes, contributing to Joe Biden's narrow victory in Georgia. With the county's population continuing to evolve, these demographic changes could influence the outcome of the November election.
The mobilization efforts led by Udayarajan and his peers underscore a broader trend of political engagement among Asian American communities in Georgia. As the state's political landscape evolves, the voices and votes of these diverse populations are becoming increasingly influential.