Texas, USA: Swapan Dhairyawan, a Texas-based Indian CPA, speaking to The New Indian recently shared his experiences and insights into his involvement with the Republican Party, particularly during the critical moments of Donald Trump’s political journey.
Reflecting on his early days in the U.S., Dhairyawan revealed how his political journey began. “Coming to this country in 1999, I believed and read through what both the parties had in terms of values and their manifestos. I’ve been a lifelong Republican since then. I have always voted from the primaries to the general elections as a Republican,” he shared. His political activism began to take shape in 2016-17 when he got involved with the Fort Bend GOP, starting at the grassroots level. “From there, I became the pressing chair, then the finance committee chair, and eventually we started making the word out about how the values of the GOP are so close to the right party in India,” Dhairyawan explained.
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Despite the challenges, particularly the Democratic surge in 2018, Dhairyawan and his team continued to work diligently. “It was not easy, but as I told you, it was one day at a time. In 2020, we saw a dip, but in 2024, it was a red tsunami all the way,” he recalled, proud of the 13 out of 15 races won by Republicans in Fort Bend.
Dairyawan also discussed the Indian community’s shifting political inclinations, particularly in Texas. “In 2020, we did see many Indians supporting Democrats, but this time, roughly 50 to 60 percent rallied behind Trump,” he said. He attributed this shift to the Republicans’ understanding of the issues that matter most to the Indian community, including immigration and taxation.
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He also pointed out that the relationship between Trump and Prime Minister Modi resonated with many Indian Americans. “Trump’s tweet about the Bangladeshi Hindus and his strong support for Modi did make a dent. In our circles, it sparked conversations and made people think,” Dhairyawan explained. This shift in sentiment, he believes, played a role in Trump’s success in Texas, particularly among Indian voters.
Dhairyawan’s story is a testament to the power of grassroots political engagement and the evolving political dynamics of the Indian-American community. His work in Texas has left a lasting impact on the Republican Party, helping it gain significant ground in a state that is becoming increasingly important in U.S. elections.