RELEASE: The Alliance Announces Final Slate of AAPI Endorsements for 2024 Elections

WASHINGTON — Today, the AAPI Victory Alliance (The Alliance) announces its final round of endorsements for the 2024 elections, highlighting an exceptional slate of AAPI candidates from across the country:

  • Senator Scott Kawasaki of Alaska

  • Kim Coco Iwamoto of Hawaii

  • Representative Rui Xu of Kansas

  • Representative Tram Nguyen of Massachusetts 

  • Representative Kaohly Her of Minnesota

  • Representative Reena Szczepanski of New Mexico

  • Assemblywoman Erica Mosca of Nevada

  • Meriam Sabih of Pennsylvania

  • Representative Arvind Venkat of Pennsylvania

  • Averie Bishop of Texas 

  • Representative Dr. Suleman Lalani of Texas

This endorsement slate reflects the unwavering commitment of The Alliance to building a more equitable future, ensuring that the voices of AAPI communities are represented at every level of government. With a total of 20 candidates across 11 states — from Alaska to Georgia and Pennsylvania to Texas — our endorsed cohort includes a strong mix of challengers, incumbents, and leadership electeds ready to lead with courage and conviction. 

From protecting civil rights to expanding economic opportunity and addressing climate change, these candidates are the champions we need to confront today’s challenges and secure a better tomorrow. Together, their leadership will drive meaningful change, paving the way for a future where all communities can thrive. 

“Our AAPI candidates are breaking barriers and leading with the values that unite us all: justice, equity, and opportunity," said Varun Nikore, executive director of AAPI Victory Alliance. "At a time when the rights and dignity of marginalized communities are under threat, these leaders are stepping up to fight for real progress and meaningful change. We're proud to stand by them as they work to make a difference in every corner of our nation.” 

“I am thrilled to be supported by The Alliance. As an AAPI growing up in Alaska and now a current Senator, I hope to elevate other AAPI in our state to reach their full potential,” said Senator Scott Kawasaki of Alaska. 

“I am truly honored to receive the endorsement of the AAPI Victory Alliance. This recognition strengthens my resolve to champion the rights and interests of the AAPI community, ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions are valued in our state,” said Kim Coco Iwamoto of Hawaii, who is running for Hawaii House of Representatives. 

“I am so honored to receive the endorsement from the AAPI Victory Alliance. As the only elected Asian-American in the Kansas legislature, as well as the first Chinese-American ever elected, it means a lot to have the support of the community behind me as I continue to fight for them in Topeka,” said Representative Rui Xu of Kansas. 

“It is my honor to receive the endorsement of the AAPI Victory Alliance. Much of the work I do every day is focused on helping to protect and expand the rights of those in the AAPI community, and to increase our representation on all levels of government. This endorsement helps support that work and energizes me to continue to pursue the policy changes that will ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to live successful and healthy lives,” said Representative Tram Nguyen of Massachusetts. 

“It is an honor to be endorsed by AAPI Victory Alliance. To have the support of an organization that builds political power with and for people who look like me is powerful.  I look forward to championing legislation that will improve the lives and well-being of Minnesota’s AAPI communities,” said Representative Kaohly Her of Minnesota. 

“I'm proud to be endorsed by The Alliance because only when we organize with one another and work together, will we be able to empower prosperity for all our communities,” said Assemblywoman Erica Mosca of Nevada. 

“Our AAPI communities are strong, vibrant, and diverse, and I'm proud to be endorsed by AAPI Victory Alliance as we build an American Dream that's within the reach of all Americans,” said Representative Reena Szczepanski of New Mexico. 

“Let’s work together to protect our rights, freedoms, and democracy,” said Meriam Sabih of Pennsylvania, who is running for Pennsylvania House of Representatives. 

“As an Indian-American state legislator and a representative for a large and vibrant AAPI community, I am proud to receive the endorsement of AAPI Victory Alliance,” said Representative Arvind Venkat of Pennsylvania. 

“I am the daughter of a fifth-generation Texan father and a Filipino Immigrant mother. I know firsthand the hardships immigrants to our Country and State go through to make ends meet. That is why I am proud to be endorsed by the AAPI Victory Alliance and to work with them to ensure that the American Dream is available to all who choose it,” said Averie Bishop of Texas, who is running for Texas House of Representatives. 

"I am proud to be endorsed by AAPI Victory Alliance for my re-election campaign. Last year, I worked hard to ensure that the diverse needs of our community are being met in the Texas Legislature from ensuring school districts respect religious holidays to helping found the AAPI Caucus in the Texas House. There is still much work to do in our AAPI communities before we feel our voices are heard fully,” said Representative Dr. Suleman Lalani of Texas. 

If you’d like to connect with Varun Nikore to discuss The Alliance’s Em-Powered Endorsement Program, please contact media@aapivictoryalliance.com 

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AAPI Victory Alliance empowers Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities to lead the charge in shaping a more progressive future. We educate, advocate, and build partnerships to drive policies that uplift our communities, ensuring AAPIs are the decisive force in elections at every level — from local races to national contests.

Liz Lee