USA
As the 2024 US presidential election draws near, the Republican Party faces intense speculation about its potential candidates. Despite facing legal challenges, former US President Donald Trump emerges as the frontrunner, but three Indian-American leaders are ready to challenge his position and “make America great again.” Vivek Ramaswamy, Nikki Haley, and Hirsh Vardhan Singh have expressed their intentions to contest the party’s nomination, setting the stage for an intriguing primary battle.
Nikki Haley, the former governor of South Carolina and Trump’s initial ambassador to the United Nations, stands out as the only female contender in the Republican primary. While proud of her tenure in the Trump administration, she openly criticized his post-election pursuit to challenge alleged voter fraud that marred the 2020 election. Despite initially polling low, Haley showcased impressive fundraising abilities, securing support from influential GOP donors and raising a substantial $26 million for her campaign.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a tech entrepreneur and son of Indian immigrants, entered the US Republican presidential nomination race as an outsider but has quickly climbed to the third position. A Reuters-Ipsos poll revealed he enjoys the support of 9% of Republican leaders, trailing behind Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Ramaswamy’s campaign centers around innovative drug development and healthcare transformation, promising to restore meritocracy and reduce reliance on China. His personal contributions and fundraising efforts have totaled a remarkable $16 million.
Hirsh Vardhan Singh, a 38-year-old engineer, brings his conservative Republican principles to the crowded US presidential race. Focused on prioritizing citizens and restoring the conservative wing of the New Jersey Republican Party, Singh’s candidacy draws attention due to his unwavering commitment to “America First” values and opposition to Covid vaccinations.
The Republican Party’s national convention, scheduled for July 15-18, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, will be the pivotal event where the official presidential nominee will be formally selected. As these Indian-American leaders step into the spotlight, the race promises to be a compelling and closely watched contest for the future of the party and the nation.
