As Texas approaches the 2024 election, a new focus is emerging on one of the state’s most rapidly growing voter blocs: Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
A report from the nonprofit Asian Texans for Justice (ATJ) reveals that between 2022 and 2023, the Dallas-Fort Worth area experienced the highest growth in Asian residents among all metropolitan regions in the United States, reported The Dallas Morning News.
Texas gained over 91,000 individuals, of which the Dallas-Fort Worth region contributed nearly 44,000, with Collin County alone adding around 20,000, or nearly 22%, of the total growth. Approximately two million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) now call Texas home, making up 6.6% of the state’s population.
Most AAPI Texans reside in the state’s four largest metropolitan areas: Houston, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Austin, and San Antonio — accounting for 90% of AAPI residents in the state. Some 62% of AAPI Texans identify as Asian Indian, Chinese, or Vietnamese. Asian Texans make up 11.7% of the 17.9% of Texans using SNAP benefits, Supplemental Security income, and cash public assistance income.
“Texas’ rapidly growing AAPI population is not just a statistic. It’s a testament to our community’s dynamic presence and increasing impact,” said Lily Trieu, executive director of ATJ. “Our findings reveal a transformative and authentic narrative, showing a community deeply engaged in shaping Texas’ future.”
According to a recent report, AAPIs represent over 50 ethnicities and speak more than 100 languages. Their influence in the political arena is also expected to expand significantly in 2024.
ATJ wants to give a voice to AAPI voters, as it works to provide a comprehensive understanding of AAPI voters through research and analysis.
AAPIs are not a monolithic group. Their varied backgrounds and experiences result in a wide range of political views and policy preferences, according to the report. However, certain political preferences seem to be heightened among this voting demographic.
To navigate the complexity of giving these voters a fair representation, ATJ is doubling down on its research efforts, building on insights gained from the first statewide poll conducted in 2022.
In a new initiative titled “Deep in the Heart of Asian Texas: Insights on AAPI Voters,” ATJ is releasing a three-part series exploring the demographic and political landscape of AAPI Texans. This series will draw from various sources, including census data and a new statewide poll.
Part one of the report, “Profiles of AAPI Communities,” uses Census data to “reveal a vibrant and growing community poised to significantly influence Texas’ political landscape.” Part two of the report, “Voices of AAPI Voters,” analyzes interviews with dozens of AAPI voters. Part three of the report, “Policy Opinions of AAPI Voters,” analyzes polling data of AAPI voters.
The first part of the report was released in August. The second part was released last week, and the third part is also expected to be released this month.