The Rising Influence of Filipino Americans in Las Vegas
In the vibrant city of Las Vegas, a significant and growing number of Filipino Americans are playing crucial roles in various sectors, from educating students and providing healthcare to ensuring the smooth operation of the city’s renowned casinos. After their work hours, many of them gather at the off-strip California Hotel & Casino to savor traditional dishes like oxtail soup, while also frequenting Filipino-owned businesses for their shopping needs.
Historically, this community has been somewhat neglected by political campaigns, which tended to focus their outreach efforts on other ethnic groups. However, the landscape is changing, as candidates now actively seek to engage Filipino voters, recognized this election cycle as pivotal in the swing state. Both political parties are making concerted efforts to win over this demographic, with candidates appearing at Filipino banquets dressed in custom-tailored attire, including traditional Filipiniana gowns.
Moreover, the campaign for Vice President Kamala Harris has launched a series of “Pinoy Pride” billboards strategically placed around Las Vegas, along with ads featuring Filipino leaders from Nevada discussing crucial issues such as the economy and healthcare. This marks a significant shift in political engagement.
“We’re no longer just seen as warm bodies at their campaign events,” stated Joel Enriquez, a Filipino American small business owner who was highlighted in a recent advertisement for Ms. Harris. “Now, they genuinely want to connect with us.”
Nevada stands out among presidential battleground states for having the highest proportion of Asian American voters, who make up nearly 12 percent of the electorate. Within this demographic, Filipino Americans represent the largest group, with approximately 59,000 registered voters in a state that President Biden narrowly won by just over 33,000 votes in the 2020 election, according to APIAVote, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to educating voters in the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
When Vice President Kamala Harris initiated her Asian American voter outreach initiative in Las Vegas this summer, it was met with enthusiastic participation from a large assembly of Filipino community leaders, underscoring the increasing recognition of their importance in the political arena.
