AAPI Progressive Action Endorsed State Legislators Will Ensure Minority Voices Be Heard on Redistricting Efforts

WASHINGTON—AAPI Progressive Action congratulates the 38 AAPI Progressive Action endorsed state legislators who won their elections—including 10 new state legislators. There are three more AAPI Progressive Action endorsed candidates who are in races too close to call. These candidates will build and strengthen the pipeline of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) progressive candidates and will ensure that 2020 redistricting efforts do not suppress the voices and votes of communities of color.

“We are exceptionally pleased with how our candidates fared in the midterm elections. Many of our candidates challenged Republican incumbents and won,” said Dr. Tung Nguyen, chair of AAPI Progressive Action. “The diversity of our candidates—including many firsts in their states—will represent our community and values as the country head toward redistricting.”

While the nation’s attention was focused on the 2018 congressional races, AAPI Progressive Action focused its efforts on progressive state leaders to safeguard the legitimacy of 2020 redistricting efforts. The National Conference of State Legislatures reports that three-fifths of governors deciding new district lines in the 2020 cycle will be elected this year. Further, one-third of state senators nationally elected during the 2018 midterms will be in office during the next redistricting cycle.

“These 38 state legislators, with more to come, will be the pipeline for future governors, attorney generals, U.S. representatives and U.S. senators,” said Nguyen. “We will continue to work to identify and support progressive candidates as we head toward the 2020 elections.

There are more AAPI progressive candidates running for state and federal office this election cycle than ever before. AAPI Progressive Action limited its endorsement to candidates in red-to-blue state legislatures. Candidates were also endorsed in states where Democrats have slim margin and a win would solidify progressive interests going into the general election.