Asian American voters, particularly Korean Americans, have become a significant political force in Georgia, a state that has seen remarkable demographic changes over the past decade. From 2010 to 2020, the number of Korean Americans in Georgia almost doubled, with many settling in places like Duluth and Gwinnett County, areas where Korean culture has flourished. These communities, once a reliable Democratic voting bloc, are now showing signs of dissatisfaction with the party, primarily due to economic hardships.
The economy has always been a crucial issue for Korean Americans, and their frustration with the current administration is growing. Rising inflation and the high cost of living are placing tremendous strain on small business owners, many of whom run restaurants, hair salons, and grocery stores in Georgia. For instance, Lee Sung Yong, a restaurant owner in Duluth, has seen his costs skyrocket, particularly for ingredients, some of which have increased by 80%. He attributes these challenges to the Biden administration and has decided to support Donald Trump in the 2024 election, a significant shift from his previous voting patterns.
You were not supposed to know Kamala is this stupid because Trump is supposed to be dead. pic.twitter.com/SFwx3yKmiS
— Rob Smith (@robsmithonline) October 10, 2024
This economic dissatisfaction is widespread within the Korean American community, as many small businesses continue to struggle post-pandemic. Business owners in Gwinnett County have reported a drastic drop in customers—up to 50% in some cases. The combination of these economic pressures and inflation has led many in the community to reconsider their political allegiances. Some, like salon owner Shin Kyung Ok, are undecided but are leaning away from supporting Democrats in the upcoming election.
Historically, political outreach to Asian Americans has been limited, and many Korean Americans have felt disconnected from both major parties. However, the 2020 election saw a record turnout among Asian American voters in Georgia, thanks to grassroots organizing and targeted efforts to engage the community. Joe Biden’s victory in Georgia can be partially credited to this surge in Asian American participation. Yet, the Democrats' failure to address ongoing economic concerns is leading to wavering support.
Howard Stern to Kamala: “To me you’re the law and order candidate.”
This tweet from Kamala asking for money to bail out rioters who burned down Minnesota is still up. pic.twitter.com/SVQrxIt226
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) October 10, 2024
While some Korean Americans, particularly older voters, may still hold reservations about Trump due to his past rhetoric, including his controversial statements regarding the pandemic, the focus on the economy is proving to be a dominant issue this election cycle. The same voters who were energized by racial justice issues in 2020, following a spike in anti-Asian violence, now find themselves more concerned about inflation and financial stability.
In Gwinnett County, a once solidly Republican stronghold, Korean Americans helped Democrats flip the district in both 2016 and 2020. However, as economic frustrations mount, this support is beginning to unravel. The Asian American vote, particularly within the Korean community, is becoming more unpredictable, with many voters shifting toward single-issue concerns, such as the economy and small business surviva.
Political organizers on both sides are scrambling to regain or solidify support from this critical constituency. Democrats are attempting to revive the momentum that helped them win in 2020, while Republicans, including Trump’s campaign, are honing in on economic issues to appeal to disillusioned voters.
The 2024 election will be a key test of whether Democrats can hold onto the gains they’ve made in Georgia, or whether Korean American voters, along with other Asian Americans, will turn to the GOP in response to economic hardship.
