STATEMENT: AAPI Victory Alliance Endorses Pioneering AAPI Candidates for Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Georgia State Legislative Races

WASHINGTON — Today, AAPI Victory Alliance announced its slate of endorsements for Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Georgia midterm elections. Among the endorsements are:

  • Francesca Hong, Wisconsin State Representative for Assembly District 76

  • Anna Thomas, Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 137

  • Om Duggal, Georgia House of Representatives District 99

 

These three states are where AAPIs were the fastest-growing portion of the state’s electorate; From 2010 to 2020, the number of eligible AAPI voters in Wisconsin by 64%, in Pennsylvania by 55%, and in Georgia by 74%. Despite being the fastest-growing voting group, AAPIs are vastly underrepresented in elected offices. AAPI Victory Alliance aims to change that with these endorsements and by encouraging more AAPIs to get civically engaged.

 

AAPI Victory Alliance Executive Director Varun Nikore issued the following statement: 

“I am honored to lead the AAPI Victory Alliance in announcing our endorsements of three trailblazing candidates, working to build community power in their respective districts. During a year when civil rights and liberties have been under attack, building power from within the AAPI community is crucial to the safety, wellbeing, and livelihood of Asian and Pacific Islanders across America.”

“Since 2016, we’ve seen a resurgence in the focus on state and local elections. We’ve also seen unprecedented levels of civic and electoral engagement in the AAPI community. These two things go hand-in-hand and we are proud to work together with AAPI candidates and allies to build a democracy that is inclusive and reflective of the diversity of this nation.”

 

Wisconsin State Representative Incumbent for Assembly District 76, Francesca Hong issued the following statement: 

“I am extremely excited to receive the endorsement of AAPI Victory Alliance as I run for re-election for Wisconsin’s State Assembly. As a lifelong Wisconsinite and a small business owner, I have a profound understanding of the struggles of working-class families. I am re-committing myself to creating environmental, racial, and economic justice for my community and district in my next term.” 

 

Pennsylvania House of Representative Candidate for District 137, Anna Thomas issued the following statement: 

“It is my sincere honor to be endorsed by AAPI Victory Alliance. I will be the first Southeast Asian American woman elected to the entire Pennsylvania State Legislature. The AAPI community needs responsible representation and we deserve a voice in government. I am committed to building equity in Pennsylvania’s tax structure, infrastructure, and public education systems, so that all of my neighbors can succeed.” 

Georgia House of Representative Candidate for District 99, Om Duggal issued the following statement:

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of AAPI Victory Alliance. As I am running for Georgia’s House of Representative in District 99, I will always remember my family’s fighting spirit, which allowed us to successfully build a new life in the United States. I am committed to supporting affordable housing, Medicaid expansion, assisting entrepreneurs and small businesses, as well as looking out for the best interests of immigrant and minority families.”

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Dikshant Rajbhandari