Kelly Smith, a Texan woman running as a write-in candidate for the gubernatorial election, has faced severe backlash for her recent social media posts that many interpret as offensive to Indian culture and immigrants. In one post, she shared an AI-generated image of herself dressed in Indian attire with the caption, 'I have decided to become Indian since they say they are just as American as me. I will now call myself Pria – Priya’s misspelled.' This statement, along with her comments about eating hamburgers at a temple and wearing shoes inside, has drawn accusations of racism from social media users. The controversy arises amidst ongoing debates in the U.S. about immigration and the increasing visibility of Indian Americans in Texas. Political analysts have remarked on how fringe candidates like Smith can gain attention through social media, despite lacking official recognition in the election process. This incident underscores the complex relationship between social media and political identity in contemporary America.