Palm Bay, Florida, USA: Florida Senator and Republican leader Rick Scott, along with members of the Florida Democratic Party, have criticised Palm Bay Councilman Chandler Langevin for his offensive comments targeting Indian Americans.
Both Senator Scott and Democratic Party representatives called Langevin’s statements racist and inappropriate for someone holding public office. The remarks sparked widespread political and community backlash, prompting the Palm Bay City Council to vote for his removal and request Governor Ron DeSantis’s approval.
Senator Scott emphasised that “hate has no place in Florida,” praising the Indian American community as “proud Americans who contribute greatly to our country.” His statement represented an unusual moment of bipartisan agreement, with leaders from both parties denouncing Langevin’s rhetoric.
Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried described the comments as “vile and unacceptable,” stating, “Palm Bay residents deserve leaders who reject divisive and hateful rhetoric.” She added that the party stands “with our Indian American neighbours” and will strive to ensure “elected officials reflect Florida’s core values.”
Rishi Bagga, a member of the Democratic Party’s Rules Committee, called Langevin’s actions “shameful and disgraceful,” noting that Indian Americans “should not be questioned for their loyalty to the United States or their pursuit of the American Dream.”
The controversy began when Langevin posted on social media, claiming, “No Indian in the US cares about the country; they are only focused on benefiting India and Indians financially.” Although he later deleted the post, he refused to apologise, insisting his remarks targeted only “visa holders or those here illegally.”
Democratic Representative Fentrice Driskell also criticised the statements as “ignorant and un-American,” pointing out that Langevin has a track record of discriminatory attacks. She stated that his repeated behaviour proves he is “unfit to serve as a community leader.”
The outrage was evident at the October 2 Palm Bay Council meeting, where hundreds of Indian Americans demanded Langevin’s resignation. The council voted for his removal and called on Governor DeSantis to act. The governor has not yet responded publicly.
Langevin has defended his position on social media. On X, he wrote that Americans of Indian heritage “were manipulated by leftist politicians, and Republicans fell for it.” He announced plans to engage in “important discussions” with Indian community leaders but maintained that “the left is the real threat.”
The incident occurs amid renewed discussions about the H-1B visa program, which remains a politically divisive topic in Florida. Governor DeSantis has previously criticised the program, though his office has not linked it to Langevin’s remarks.
The controversy has intensified calls for accountability and highlighted bipartisan condemnation of discriminatory speech. Senator Scott’s remarks, combined with the Florida Democratic Party’s unified stance, underscore the ongoing demand for respect, inclusivity, and civility in the state’s political arena.
