Usha Vance's Hindu Background: A Silent Factor in Republican Politics

In August 2024, Usha Chilukuri Vance, spouse of Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance, addressed the Republican National Convention, highlighting their intercultural marriage. However, her four-minute speech notably omitted any reference to her Hindu upbringing or their interfaith relationship.

Usha Vance's presence at the convention generated enthusiasm among some Indian American conservatives, particularly Hindu Americans. This is significant as Indian Americans are one of the fastest-growing ethnic groups in the United States. However, it's important to note that approximately 70% of Indian Americans align with or lean towards the Democratic Party, according to Pew Research Center surveys conducted in 2022 and 2023.

The potential appeal of Usha Vance's Hindu background to South Asian voters in swing states like Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina has not gone unnoticed. However, her decision to remain silent about her religion has raised questions about the Republican Party's readiness to embrace religious diversity.

Dheepa Sundaram, a Hindu Studies professor at the University of Denver, suggests that Vance's Hindu identity might be viewed more as a liability than an asset by the campaign. This perspective aligns with the fact that Hinduism, despite being the world's third-largest religion with over 1.2 billion followers, has limited representation in U.S. politics.

The Republican Party's relationship with non-Christian faiths remains complex. While Vivek Ramaswamy, a Hindu American entrepreneur, openly discussed his faith during his 2023 presidential campaign, his defeat in the primary and Usha Vance's silence may indicate ongoing challenges for non-Christian identities within the party.

JD Vance has publicly spoken about raising his children Catholic and his own journey to Catholicism, but notably omits his wife's faith from these discussions. This silence contrasts with the growing presence of Hinduism in American culture, as evidenced by the increase in Hindu temples from about 100 in 1990 to over 1,000 today.

"Hindu Americans assimilate, but also hold on to what inspired them from their tradition and culture. Our pluralistic background puts us in a good position to get along with different people without compromising who we are. Hindu culture is very comfortable with differences of opinion."

The situation highlights the complex interplay between religion and politics in the United States. While the first Hindu prayer in the U.S. Senate was delivered in 2007, and the first Hindu elected to Congress was Tulsi Gabbard in 2012, the path for Hindu Americans in politics, especially within the Republican Party, remains challenging.

As the 2024 election approaches, the role of Usha Vance's Hindu background in the Republican campaign strategy remains to be seen. Her presence on the national stage, regardless of her silence on religious matters, continues to spark discussions about representation and religious diversity in American politics.