STATEMENT: 84% OF AAPI TEXANS ARE STRONGLY MOTIVATED TO VOTE IN 2024

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

October 7th, 2024 

Contact: Christina Hahn

christina@asiantexansforjustice.org 

Asian Texans for Justice releases part three of “Deep in the Heart of Asian Texas: Insights on AAPI Voters,” a 3-part report analyzing the profiles, voices, and policy opinions of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) voters in Texas. 

AUSTIN, TEXAS — Asian Texans for Justice (ATJ), a statewide 501(c)3 organization connecting Asian and Pacific Islander Texans to civic action to build personal and political power, published a report detailing insights from a statewide poll, finding that 84% of AAPI Texans are strongly motivated to vote in 2024, a substantial increase from 64% in the 2022 midterm elections. 

Since the 2022 poll and midterm elections, AAPI Texans have grown in population and political power. Texas experienced the largest gain in AAPI residents between 2022 and 2023, adding over 91,000 new AAPI residents in a single year. This growth, coupled with Texas' overall booming population growth, means that AAPI Texans are poised to influence not only the  electoral outcomes of the Lone Star State but also the future of the nation. 

Part three of the report, “Policy Opinions of AAPI Voters” is the final installment of ATJ’s three-part statewide research project, providing critical insights into their perspectives on key issues in the 2024 election and for the 89th Texas Legislature in 2025.

Key Insights:

1.  High Voter Motivation amongst AAPI Texans (20% increase from 2022)

1. AAPI Texans are highly motivated to vote in 2024, with 84% indicating strong motivation- a substantial increase from 64% in the 2022 midterms. 

2. AAPI Texans’ Policy Priorities are the economy, cost of living, and healthcare

1. Economic issues top the list of policy priorities for AAPI voters, including jobs and the economy (99%), inflation and cost of living (97%), and healthcare access and costs (95%). However, they also place high importance on voting rights, funding for public education, and addressing hate crimes. 

3. AAPI Voters Differ from General Texas Electorate 

1. AAPI voters diverge from other Texas voters on several issues. They strongly support protecting access to reproductive rights, gun safety reform, and climate change and infrastructure resiliency. AAPI women, younger voters, and college graduates tend to hold more progressive views on issues like abortion access and gun safety reform. 

4. Desire for AAPI Political Representation 

1. 61% of AAPI voters think having elected officials who look like them and share their background is essential. However, over half of AAPI voters do not feel well represented in either the U.S. government (59%) or Texas government (63%). 

5. Texan Identity Stronger Influence than Racial Identity on Political Views 

1. While 68% of AAPI voters feel their fate is linked to other AAPI Texans, only 44% think their AAPI identity plays a significant role in shaping their political views. This suggests a complex relationship between ethnic identity and political attitudes. 

Deep in the Heart of Asian Texas: Insights on AAPI Voters

Part 1 - Deep in the Heart of Asian Texas: Profiles on AAPI Communities

Part 2 - Deep in the Heart of Asian Texas: Voices of AAPI Voters 

Part 3 - Deep in the Heart of Asian Texas: Policy Opinions of AAPI Voters 

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Asian Texans For Justice (ATJ) envisions a future where all people feel bold in their belonging. We connect Asian and Pacific Islander Texans to civic action to build personal and political power. For updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.