The Rising Influence of Filipino Americans in Las Vegas
In the vibrant city of Las Vegas, a significant and growing community of Filipino Americans plays a crucial role in various sectors, from education to healthcare, and even in the bustling casinos that are the lifeblood of the city’s economy. After their work shifts, many of these individuals gather at the off-strip California Hotel & Casino, where they indulge in beloved dishes like oxtail soup. They also frequent Filipino-owned businesses, fostering a strong sense of community and cultural pride.
Historically, this demographic was often overlooked by political campaigns, which tended to focus on other ethnic groups. However, in recent years, there has been a notable shift, with candidates from both major parties increasingly recognizing the importance of engaging with Filipino voters. This year, they are seen as pivotal in the swing state of Nevada.
Political candidates now actively seek out Filipino voters, showing up at community banquets dressed in custom-made shirts and traditional Filipiniana gowns. Notably, the campaign for Vice President Kamala Harris has launched a series of “Pinoy Pride” billboards around Las Vegas, accompanied by advertisements featuring local Filipino leaders discussing key issues such as the economy and healthcare.
“We’re not just warm bodies at their campaign events anymore,” said Joel Enriquez, a Filipino American small business owner who recently appeared in an ad for Ms. Harris. “They actually want to engage with us now.”
Among all presidential battleground states, Nevada boasts the highest proportion of Asian American voters, making up nearly 12 percent of the electorate. Within this diverse group, Filipino Americans represent the largest segment, with approximately 59,000 registered voters in a state that President Biden narrowly won by just over 33,000 votes in the 2020 election, as reported by APIAVote, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to educating Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders about the voting process.
When Vice President Kamala Harris initiated an outreach program aimed at Asian American voters in Las Vegas this past summer, a substantial number of Filipino community leaders were in attendance, highlighting the increasing political engagement and influence of this community.