This research brief uses data from 55 interviews with Houston-area Asian American residents to explore their views and positions on politics, including their perceptions of political engagement, influence and representation within Greater Houston. The brief is part of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research’s Asian American Community Study, a multiyear, multilingual initiative exploring the diverse experiences of Asian residents across the Houston region.
Key findings
- Asian American residents see themselves as less engaged in politics because of competing priorities, previous experiences with other political systems outside the United States and unfamiliarity with U.S. political processes.
- Asian Americans feel they have made significant contributions to the economy and culture of Houston but have not had the same influence on area politics.
- Many Asian American residents express a desire for greater Asian American representation in elected office or visible leadership positions, and some note that their political representation is increasing in the Houston area.
Increasing political engagement in the Asian American community may depend on making the political process feel more open, accessible and connected to their lives.
