Politics: Italian Americans and Politics
Why We Never Became an Ethnic Voting Bloc — And Why That Might Be Our Strength
By The Italian Californian — Magazine Feature
Italian Americans helped build modern American cities, shaped labor movements, served in Congress, governed states, and influenced national policy. Yet unlike many other ethnic groups, Italian Americans never developed a unified political voting bloc.
There is no single “Italian American vote.”
No unified party.
No consistent ideological alignment.
And that’s not an accident — it’s history.
The Italian American Political Paradox
Italian Americans are politically visible — but not politically unified.
You can find Italian Americans across the entire political spectrum:
- Conservatives
- Liberals
- Moderates
- Independents
- Populists
- Urban machine politicians
- Reformers
- Labor leaders
- Business conservatives
Unlike some ethnic communities, Italian Americans historically assimilated quickly and dispersed geographically. That made identity-based voting far less common.
Instead of “identity politics,” Italian Americans traditionally voted based on:
- Class
- Religion (Catholic social teaching)
- Neighborhood interests
- Labor vs. business
- Law & order
- Foreign policy
- Personality and leadership
Ethnicity? Usually secondary.
Historical Context: Why Italian Americans Never Became a Voting Bloc
When millions of Italians arrived between 1880–1924, they faced discrimination:
- Called “not quite white”
- Stereotyped as criminals or anarchists
- Lynched (notably New Orleans, 1891)
- Paid lower wages
- Segregated in housing and schools
- Viewed as “clannish” and unassimilable
- Anti-Catholic prejudice
Yet instead of forming ethnic political parties, Italian Americans integrated into existing political machines.
They joined:
- Democratic urban machines (NYC, Chicago, Boston)
- Republican business coalitions
- Labor unions
- Catholic civic organizations
They didn’t build separate political institutions — they entered mainstream ones.
This shaped everything that followed.
Early Italian American Political Leaders
Some of the earliest major Italian American political figures include:
Mayors and Urban Leaders
- Fiorello La Guardia — Mayor of New York City
- Angelo Rossi — Mayor of San Francisco
- Joseph Alioto — Mayor of San Francisco
- Carmen Policy — Los Angeles civic leader
Congressional Figures
- Vito Marcantonio — Progressive Congressman (NY)
- Peter Rodino — chaired Watergate hearings
- Tip O’Neill ally and congressional leaders of Italian descent
Governors
- Mario Cuomo — New York
- Andrew Cuomo — New York
- Ella Grasso — Connecticut
- John Baldacci — Maine
These leaders did not run as “Italian American candidates.”
They ran as mainstream politicians.
That pattern continues today.
Italian Americans Today: Politically Everywhere
Modern Italian American politicians exist in both parties.
Republicans
- Rudy Giuliani
- Chris Christie
- Ron DeSantis
- Marco Rubio (Italian/Cuban heritage)
- Tom Ridge
Democrats
- Nancy Pelosi
- Anthony Fauci (public policy leadership)
- John Podesta
- Andrew Cuomo
- Joe Manchin (Italian heritage)
Bipartisan Observation
Italian Americans appear:
- In leadership positions
- In cabinet roles
- In Congress
- In state legislatures
- In mayoral offices
But rarely as a coordinated ethnic bloc.
How Italian Americans Typically Vote
Polling consistently shows Italian Americans are politically split.
Historically:
Mid-20th Century:
Mostly Democratic (urban working class Catholics)
1980s–2000s:
Shift toward Republican candidates (Reagan Democrats)
Modern era:
Nearly evenly divided
Approximate political identification:
- Democrat: ~35–40%
- Republican: ~30–35%
- Independent: ~20–30%
This is one of the most politically balanced ethnic groups in America.
Italian Americans don’t vote as a bloc — they vote as individuals.
Why Italian Americans Avoid Identity Politics
Several reasons explain this:
1. Rapid assimilation
Italian Americans became “mainstream” quickly.
2. Geographic dispersion
No single concentrated voting region
3. Regional differences
Northern Italians vs Southern Italians
Urban vs suburban
Catholic vs secular
4. Strong individualism
Italian American culture emphasizes:
- family
- independence
- entrepreneurship
- personal loyalty
Not collective political identity.
Italian American Political Organizations Today
Even without a voting bloc, Italian Americans do have advocacy organizations:
Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA)
- Advocates for Italian American civil rights
- Fights defamation and negative stereotyping
- Promotes cultural education and public policy awareness
National Italian American Foundation (NIAF)
- Based in Washington, D.C.
- Engages directly with policymakers
- Hosts conferences with political leaders
- Advocates on U.S.–Italy relations and Italian American issues
Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO)
- Coalition of major Italian American groups
- Coordinates national advocacy efforts
- Responds to media and political issues affecting the community
Italian American Congressional Delegation (informal)
- Not an official caucus
- Includes members of Congress of Italian descent
- Occasionally collaborates on heritage-related initiatives
Other Italian American Political & Civic Groups
- UNICO National
- Italian American Leadership Forum
- Italian American Future Leaders Conference
- Italian American Democrats / Republicans (local groups)
- Italian Caucus of California (informal legislative group)
These groups focus more on:
- cultural recognition
- education
- heritage issues
- anti-defamation
- diplomacy with Italy
Not coordinated voting.
My View: Maybe We Don’t Need a Voting Bloc — But We Do Need a Voice
Here’s where I stand.
I don’t think Italian Americans should turn into a rigid ethnic voting bloc.
That’s not who we are.
We’re too diverse.
Too independent.
Too assimilated.
But I do think we could benefit from:
👉 a stronger shared civic presence
Not to control elections —
but to preserve identity.
Where I Personally Stand as a Voter
I’ll always vote based on:
- Policy
- Values
- Leadership
That comes first.
But I’ll also be honest — if two candidates align with my views, and one of them has a name that ends in a vowel… that’s a bonus.
It’s not decisive.
It doesn’t override policy.
But it matters.
It reflects:
- Our history
- Our contributions
- Our place in American life
I won’t vote for someone just because they’re Italian American —
but I do take notice when they are.
And I think many of us do, even if we don’t say it out loud.
The Bottom Line
Italian Americans don’t do identity politics.
We never really have.
We don’t vote as a bloc.
We don’t follow one party.
We don’t coordinate politically.
But we do participate.
And maybe that’s the Italian American way:
Independent.
Assimilated.
Politically diverse.
But still aware of who we are.
Not a voting bloc.
Just a voice.
How You Can Get Involved
Building a Stronger Italian American Civic Voice
Italian Americans may not vote as a unified bloc — but we can still organize, advocate, and participate in ways that strengthen our cultural and civic presence.
If we are serious about preserving our history, improving representation, and ensuring our community is not overlooked, involvement matters.
National Italian American Foundation (NIAF)
Focus: Public policy, education, civic engagement, U.S.–Italy relations
One of the most influential Italian American organizations in Washington, D.C., NIAF serves as a bridge between the Italian American community and policymakers.
What they do
- Engage with Congress and national leaders
- Promote Italian American education
- Advocate for cultural recognition
- Host leadership and policy forums
Website:
https://www.niaf.org
Italian American Leadership Forum
Focus: National civic leadership and policy engagement
Hosted by NIAF, this forum brings together:
- Italian American elected officials
- Policy experts
- Community leaders
- Business and cultural organizations
It serves as a national platform for discussing:
- Representation in government
- Public policy priorities
- Cultural preservation
- Civic engagement
Learn more:
Italian American Future Leaders Conference
Focus: Developing the next generation of Italian American leaders
This independent initiative is focused on:
- Students and young professionals
- Future public servants and candidates
- Community advocates
- Emerging leaders
Topics include:
- Civic engagement
- Political leadership
- Italian American identity
- Public policy and advocacy
This is one of the most important developments in modern Italian American civic life — building a pipeline that historically did not exist.
Website:
https://iafuture.org
UNICO National
Focus: Civic leadership, scholarships, and advocacy
One of the largest Italian American service organizations in the country, UNICO blends community service with civic engagement.
What they do
- Provide scholarships
- Promote Italian heritage
- Support civic awareness
- Engage in advocacy when needed
Website:
https://www.unico.org
Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA)
Focus: Civil rights, cultural preservation, anti-defamation
A historic organization that has long defended Italian American identity and reputation.
What they do
- Fight negative stereotypes
- Promote Italian American heritage
- Provide scholarships
- Advocate for cultural recognition
Website:
https://www.osdia.org
Italian American One Voice Coalition
Focus: Anti-defamation and advocacy
This organization actively responds to:
- Media portrayals
- Public policy issues
- Cultural misrepresentation
Website:
https://www.iaovc.org/
National Italian American Congressional Delegation
Focus: Representation within the U.S. Congress
This informal bipartisan group of Italian American members of Congress collaborates on:
- Heritage recognition
- Cultural initiatives
- Italian American issues
- U.S.–Italy relations
While not a voting bloc, it represents Italian American presence at the highest levels of government.
US Representative & Co-Chair Rosa DeLauro🏛️ Italian Caucus of California
Focus: Italian American representation in California public life
The Italian Caucus of California reflects ongoing efforts to build a more formal Italian American presence in state government.
Its goals include:
- Promoting Italian American Heritage Month
- Supporting education and curriculum inclusion
- Preserving historic communities
- Highlighting Italian American contributions
Key Contacts:
- Senator & Co-Chair Dave Cortese
- District: Senate District 15 (Santa Clara County)
Website: https://sd15.senate.ca.gov
Capitol Office: 1021 O Street, Suite 7520, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4015
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davecortesegov
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davecortesegov - Assemblymember & Co-Chair Catherine Stefani
- District: Assembly District 19 (San Francisco)
Website: https://stefani.asmdc.org
Capitol Office: 1021 O Street, Suite 5220, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 319-2019
District Office: (415) 557-2312
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatherineStefaniCA
Get involved:
- Contact caucus leaders
- Encourage legislative support for Italian American initiatives
- Advocate for cultural and educational recognition
- Senator & Co-Chair Dave Cortese
- District: Senate District 15 (Santa Clara County)
Website: https://sd15.senate.ca.gov
Capitol Office: 1021 O Street, Suite 7520, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4015
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davecortesegov
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davecortesegov - _________________
- Assemblymember & Co-Chair Catherine Stefani
- District: Assembly District 19 (San Francisco)
Website: https://stefani.asmdc.org
Capitol Office: 1021 O Street, Suite 5220, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 319-2019
District Office: (415) 557-2312
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatherineStefaniCA
Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO)
Focus: National coordination and advocacy
A coalition that helps unify Italian American organizations on key issues:
- Public policy
- Cultural advocacy
- Representation
- National initiatives
Website:
https://copomiao.org/
Why This Matters
Italian Americans historically:
- Assimilated quickly
- Avoided identity politics
- Spread across parties
- Prioritized independence
But that independence has come at a cost:
- Limited collective influence
- Reduced visibility
- Underrepresentation in education and policy
Getting involved doesn’t mean becoming a voting bloc.
It means making sure our story is still told.
🧭 How You Can Help — Right Now
✔ Join NIAF, UNICO, or OSDIA
✔ Support the Italian American Future Leaders Conference
✔ Attend leadership forums and civic events
✔ Contact members of the Italian Caucus of California
✔ Reach out to Italian American members of Congress
✔ Advocate for Italian American education
✔ Support cultural preservation efforts
✔ Encourage younger Italian Americans to get involved
Final Thought
Italian Americans don’t need to become a political machine.
But we also shouldn’t remain invisible.
We can be:
Independent — but engaged
Assimilated — but aware
American — but proudly Italian
Because in the end, civic participation isn’t about identity politics.
It’s about ensuring that our history, our contributions, and our voice
remain part of the American story.
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