Asian American Voters in San Francisco Increasingly Abandoning the Democratic Party

Created: JANUARY 24, 2025

A recent report from The San Francisco Standard reveals a growing trend of Asian Americans, even in one of the nation's most liberal cities, distancing themselves from the Democratic Party. This shift spans the political spectrum, from Trump supporters to left-leaning community organizers, and highlights increasing dissatisfaction with far-left policies.

Chinatown in San Francisco

The report illustrates this trend with an anecdote about State Senator Scott Wiener's attempt to caution seniors about the implications of a potential Trump return to the presidency during a Chinese New Year event. The message was met with resistance from some attendees who expressed support for Trump and disapproval of Democratic policies.

One attendee, a Trump supporter, voiced his concern that Democrats are steering the country in the wrong direction. His sentiment, surprisingly, is not isolated. The Standard reports a significant swing towards Trump in neighborhoods with substantial Asian populations during the last election.

Public safety concerns appear to be a key factor driving this shift. Rising crime rates and high-profile incidents targeting Asian Americans have left many feeling vulnerable and disillusioned with the current administration's approach to law and order.

President Donald Trump meets California Governor, Gavin Newsom where they will discuss the wildfires

The influence of conservative voices within the community, such as Ellen Lee Zhou, a frequent guest on a popular Chinese-language radio program, also contributes to this changing political landscape. Zhou regularly criticizes Democratic leadership and advocates for Trump's policies.

The Standard also interviewed left-leaning Asian American politicians who acknowledge the Democratic Party's waning influence within the community. Nancy Tung, chair of San Francisco's Democratic Party, expressed her commitment to re-engaging with the Asian American community and addressing their concerns.

Further evidence of this trend is the Rose Pak Democratic Club's decision to remove "Democratic" from its name. This move, intended as a wake-up call to the party, underscores the growing disconnect between the Democratic Party and the Asian American community, particularly among Chinese-speaking immigrants.

View of Golden Gate Bridge from above

Issues like "defund the police" have further alienated some within the Chinese American community, who prioritize law and order. In contrast, moderate groups like the Chinese American Democratic Club (CADC) have found success by positioning themselves against progressive ideals.

Comments(0)

Top Comments

Comment Form