STATEMENT: AAPI Victory Alliance Endorses Key AAPI Candidates for Arizona and Michigan State Legislative Races

WASHINGTON — Today, AAPI Victory Alliance announced its slate of endorsements for Arizona and Michigan’s midterm elections. Among the endorsements are Priya Sundareshan for Arizona State Senate District 18; Stephanie Chang for Michigan State Senate District 3; Ranjeev Puri for Michigan State House of Representative District 24; and Aisha Farooqi for Michigan State House of Representative District 57.

Michigan and Arizona are two of the key states where AAPIs were the fastest-growing portion of the state’s electorate; From 2010 to 2020, the number of eligible AAPI voters in Michigan grew by 59%, and in Arizona, it grew by 67%. Despite being the fastest-growing voting group, AAPIs are vastly underrepresented in elected offices. AAPI Victory Alliance aims to change that with these endorsements.

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 Priya Sundareshan, Stephanie Chang, Ranjeev Puri, and Aisha Farooq; four trailblazing AAPI state government candidates in Arizona and Michigan with an unwavering commitment to the best interest of their respective constituents—especially that of our Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community.” 

“Our country remains at a divisive inflection point, and it is crucial that Arizonans and Michiganders alike elect strong leaders at all levels of government who embody the urgency of this moment, and work tirelessly to create meaningful solutions. We are so excited to be endorsing these four talented candidates in their upcoming elections this November.”

Arizona State Senate Candidate for District 18, Priya Sundareshan, issued the following statement: 

“As a proud Indian American, born and raised in the Grand Canyon state, I could not be more humbled to be endorsed by AAPI Victory Alliance for my State Senate Campaign in the 18th district of Arizona. I'm running for State Senate to represent Tucson, the beautiful desert oasis I’ve spent most of my life in, and a city that desperately needs strong leadership. As a State Senator, I hope to lead Arizona in renewable energy, balancing our water resources through conservation and efficiency, fully funding our public schools, safeguarding our democracy by making voting easy and accessible to all, and protecting reproductive and human rights. I am proud of my heritage, my home, and my family, and I will work tirelessly to ensure that my children get to inherit a sustainable Arizona in a sustainable world.”

Michigan State Senate Candidate for District 3 and Incumbent for District 1, Stephanie Chang, issued the following statement: 

“I am proud to be endorsed by the AAPI Victory Alliance as I run for re-election in the Michigan State Senate. Throughout my time as a public servant, I have worked to improve air quality, strengthen our great state’s public education, reform our criminal justice system, and address economic disparities in our community. Most important, I have worked to securefor constituents safe, and affordable drinking water – a basic human need. I am proud to serve as Michigan’s first Asian American woman in the state legislature and worked to ensure I will not be the last by co-foundind the Asian Pacific American Legislative Caucus. There is a great need for more young women of color in our government, and I am so honored to be representing the AAPI community in the Great Lake State.”

Michigan State House of Representative Incumbent for District 24, Ranjeev Puri, issued the following statement: 

“I am extremely honored to be endorsed by AAPI Victory Alliance as I run to become Michigan’s State House Representative for District 24. As someone raised in Canton by immigrant parents, I know firsthand the critical policy issues facing fellow Michigan residents, especially those who have been historically disenfranchised. I am eager to work towards a community that is focused on inclusion, equity, and equality.”

Michigan State House of Representative Candidate for District 57, Aisha Farooqi, issued the following statement: 

“I am pleased to earn the endorsement of AAPI Victory Alliance as I run for Michigan’s State Representative for District 57. I have deep roots in Michigan and I see the future of the state to be inclusive, fair, and forward-thinking. As an attorney, I have fought hard to protect individual's rights and autonomy and will continue fighting for our civil, economic, and fundamental human rights.”

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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.