STATEMENT: AAPI Victory Alliance Endorses Change-Making AAPI Candidates for Upcoming Georgia Midterms
WASHINGTON — Today, AAPI Victory Alliance announced its slate of endorsements for Georgia’s midterm elections. Among the endorsements are Rep. Bee Nguyen for Georgia Secretary of State, Georgia State Representative Dr. Michelle Au for Georgia State House District 50, and Nabilah Islam for Georgia State Senate for District 7.
Georgia is one of the key states where AAPIs are the fastest growing population—particularly in Gwinnett County where the 2020 election turnout rose 12% from the 2016 election. Despite being the fastest-growing voting group, AAPIs are vastly underrepresented in elected office.
AAPI Victory Alliance Executive Director Varun Nikore issued the following statement:
“AAPI Victory Alliance is proud to endorse an exemplary cohort of AAPI candidates who are dedicated to fighting for the future of all Georgians: Bee Nguyen, Dr. Michelle Au, and Nabilah Islam for their respective races. As the AAPI community continues to grow in the Peach State, electing progressive leaders who care for their community, state, and country is crucial to push our country forward.”
“As we grapple with the grim effects of anti-AAPI violence, we must elect leaders who continue to bring equity and justice in Georgia. We are proud to work together with AAPI candidates to build a democracy that is inclusive and reflective of the diversity of this nation.
Georgia Secretary of State Bee Nguyen issued the following statement:
“I am proud to be endorsed by AAPI Victory Alliance as I run to become Georgia’s Secretary of State. Over the past years, it’s become clear that Georgia’s current representatives seek to cut out part of our diverse electorate they know won’t vote for them. From taking steps to reduce access to absentee ballot voting to criminalizing folks who provide water and food to voters standing in line at the polls, Georgia is long overdue for leadership that allows all eligible voters access to the ballot box.”
“It is absolutely critical that all Georgia voters, especially voters of color, have the equal representation, economic security, and justice they rightfully deserve. AAPIs are the fastest-growing population in the Peach State and it’s time that our leadership and politics reflect that.”
Georgia State Representative for District 50 Dr. Michelle Au issued the following statement:
“I am honored to be endorsed by AAPI Victory Alliance as I run for Georgia’s 50th district. In 2020, I became the first AAPI woman elected to serve in Georgia’s State Senate. Since then, I have worked to apply the principles that drive my professional work in medicine to politics: taking care of people and solving difficult problems.”
“As a seasoned public servant, and proud second-generation Chinese-American, I believe deeply in the American promise that equal opportunity is available to all. I’ve been proud to serve the people of District 48, and I would be honored to continue creating opportunities for families in Georgia’s State House District 50.”
Georgia State Senate for District 7 Nabilah Islam issued the following statement:
“I extend my sincerest thanks to AAPI Victory Alliance for their endorsement. Representation matters, as someone who was raised in Gwinnett County and is a proud Bangladeshi-American, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to further representation, equity, and inclusion right here in my home state.”
“I know firsthand how hard immigrants work to put food on the table for their families, and how difficult it is, for many Americans, to access basic needs like quality healthcare and education. I’ve dedicated my life and career to expand such access and break down barriers obstructing access to equitable prosperity. Today, and everyday, I’m proud to be a Georgian, and I look forward to all the changes our state enacts in the future.”
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AAPI Victory Alliance works to build Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) political power across the country by providing education on progressive issues; creating and advocating for policies that affect our communities; and building alliances with organizations to help AAPIs exert their power and be the margin of victory at the local, state, and national levels.