Indian-origin US voter Vasant Bhatt went viral after he announced on social media that he voted for Democrat James Talarico in Texas after being disgusted by the xenophobia and racism of the Republicans. Talarico, a Democrat and member of the Texas House of Representatives, is running for the US Senate in the November 3, 2026, general election. A former public school teacher, he has campaigned on issues including affordability, education and political accountability. He won the Democratic primary in March, defeating Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett.The Texas Senate contest is among the closely watched races in the 2026 midterm elections, with Democrat Talarico facing Republican Ken Paxton for the seat.“I just cast my ballot for James Talarico,” Bhatt announced“As a second-generation Indian American, I am thoroughly disgusted by the xenophobia, racial resentment, and increasingly brazen attacks on my identity. My family has contributed to the American story through hard work, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in the opportunities this nation promises. I am every bit as American as anyone else, and I will not tolerate being treated as a perpetual foreigner in the country I call home,” he said.“I implore every eligible Texan to get out and vote. This election is about the kind of state and country we are prepared to defend—and the principles we refuse to surrender,” he added.Bhatt’s post went viral as he was identified as a former intern of Republican Senator Ted Cruz. A Political Science student at the University of Houston, Vasant is an activist and worked with the Texas Youth Summit. He confirmed that he voted Democratic in the state Railroad Commission race too, against Bo French, who recently unleashed his racist tirade based on a photograph of America-born Indian-origin students of the University of Texas.
‘Born in America, won’t shed loyalty to ethnicity’
Bhatt’s sentiment resonated with many Indian-Americans with voting rights and they came forward to openly express that they would not accept MAGA’s constant attack on India. MAGA activists doubled down on the need for limited legal immigration as they cited Bhatt’s case to show how even if those who are born in the US have their loyalties to their ethnicity.“Letting your parents into your country was obviously a stupid mistake,” one wrote.“Here’s Vasant Bhatt saying that white Americans are “too stupid” to work STEM jobs. Bhatt previously interned for Ted Cruz and did grassroots conservative organizing. But in the end, his hatred of white Americans led him to the Democrat Party,” America First leader Patrick Casey replied.
