Phase 1, a survey of 600 AAPI voters fielded in late 2025, examined how these voters understand their political power, representation, and sense of belonging, and identified the values and issues most likely to shape political decision-making. Phase 2, a set of twenty (20) 60-minute in-depth interviews (IDIs) conducted in April 2026, deepened those insights through firsthand accounts of belonging, identity, political efficacy, values, climate impacts, and information ecosystems.

Taken together, the research points to a consistent pattern. AAPI voters in North Carolina experience community primarily through the people they interact with day to day, such as neighbors, coworkers, or fellow parents. American identity is dominant in everyday life, while ethnic and hyphenated identities shape how specific issues are understood. AAPI identity tends to surface situationally, becoming more salient when external events such as discrimination or immigration enforcement bring it forward. Economic stability and fairness are the strongest drivers of political decision-making, and while many voters feel their leaders are broadly responsive, confidence weakens when responsiveness is framed specifically around AAPI communities.

The central strategic implication is that outreach should meet communities where they already exist, lead with tangible local issues, and let identity become the connective tissue rather than the entry point. The sections below detail the methodology, key findings, recommendations, and actionable next steps.

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