PALM BAY, Fla. (Diya TV) — Florida political leaders from both parties have condemned racist remarks made by Palm Bay Councilman Chandler Langevin targeting Indian Americans, calling his statements unacceptable and unfit for public office. The controversy has sparked a political and community uproar, culminating in the Palm Bay City Council voting to remove Langevin and seeking Governor Ron DeSantis’s approval.
Republican U.S. Senator Rick Scott criticized Langevin, saying there is “no place for hate in Florida.” He added that the Indian American community are “proud Americans [that make] the country great.” Scott’s statement highlighted a rare moment of bipartisan agreement, with leaders from both parties denouncing Langevin’s language.
Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried described Langevin’s comments as “vile and reprehensible.” She said Palm Bay residents “deserve better leadership than someone who so proudly displays his hateful ignorance through divisive and racist rhetoric.” Fried emphasized that the party stands “in solidarity with our Indian American neighbors” and will work to ensure that Florida’s elected officials reflect the state’s shared values.
Rishi Bagga, a member of the Democratic Party’s Rules Committee, called Langevin’s behavior “abhorrent and disgraceful.” Bagga stressed that Indian Americans “cannot stand for those who question their loyalty to this country and their commitment to the American Dream.”
The uproar began after Langevin posted on social media that “there is not a single Indian in the U.S. who cares about the United States. They only care about enriching India and Indians, exploiting the U.S. financially.” He later deleted the post but refused to apologize, claiming his comments targeted only “illegals or visa holders.”
Democratic Representative Fentrice Driskell also condemned the remarks, calling them “ignorant and anti-American.” She said Langevin “has shown again and again that he is unfit to be a leader in his community” due to his history of bigoted attacks on people who do not look like him.
Public anger was evident during the Oct. 2 Palm Bay City Council meeting. Hundreds of Indian Americans attended to demand Langevin’s removal. The council voted to oust him and urged Governor DeSantis to take action. The governor has not yet responded.
Despite the backlash, Langevin defended himself on social media. In a post on X, he claimed, “The community of Americans with Indian heritage was taken for a goat rope by the leftists, and Republican politicians fell for it.” He said he plans to hold “important dialogue” with Indian community leaders next week, but maintained that “the left is the threat.”
The incident comes amid renewed debate over the H-1B visa program, a contentious topic in Florida politics. Governor DeSantis has criticized the program in the past, but his office has not commented on whether it relates to Langevin’s remarks.
The controversy has intensified calls for accountability and respect in political discourse. Senator Scott’s comments and the Florida Democratic Party’s unified response demonstrate bipartisan support for inclusivity. Many political observers say this incident signals the growing demand for leaders who promote unity rather than division.
