APAICS is proud to continue developing the growing political engagement of our AAPI community during this exciting tipping point in the country’s history. Below, APAICS has captured recent primary results for all major 2012 races involving AAPI challengers. Stay tuned for more election results! 

2012 Primaries with Asian American and Pacific Islander Congressional Challengers 

Last night, two Asian American candidates advanced to their general elections: Grace Meng (NY-06) and APAICS Alumni Nate Shinagawa (NY-23).  Meng and Shinagawa join a class of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) challengers who have advanced to the general election from the primaries that have already transpired. Of the 29 AAPI challenges this year, 18 have faced primaries and 12 are advancing. The remainder are still fighting for their party’s nomination. 

The Meng and Shinagawa victories showcase the new rising political influence of AAPIs. If victory repeats itself this November, Meng will be the first Asian American Member of Congress ever to represent New York City, a city that boasts of diversity with 13% of its population being AAPI. Shinagawa also beat out two primary opponents of the newly drawn 23rd District, who were all first-time congressional challengers.

This 2012 election cycle is truly historic. The following races are being highlighted or supported by each candidate’s respective national party.   This is not an exclusive list of viable candidates, but rather shows that AAPI candidates will affect the balance of power in the US Congress.

• Mazie Hirono (HI-Senate)
• Dr. Ami Bera (CA-07)
• Tammy Duckworth (IL-08)
• Ranjit “Ricky” Gill (CA-09)
• Nate Shinagawa (NY-23)
• Mark Takano (CA-41)
• Manan Trivedi (PA-06) 

APAICS is proud to continue developing the growing political engagement of our AAPI community.  Stay tuned for more victories in August!

Schedule of Remaining Primary Elections with AAPI Candidates of 2012:

• 8/2 - TN 
• 8/7 - MI, WA
• 8/11 - HI
• 8/14 - FL

Last month, APAICS welcomed its new board chair, Susan Jin Davis, Vice President of Strategic Services - Communications & Data Servic

es at Comcast Cable. Jin Davis has served on the APAICS board since 2008 and is the first woman to be elected as chair.

“As former vice chair of the APAICS Board, I have seen the enormous impact APAICS can make for our Asian American and Pacific Islander community as we see more qualified leaders become politically active,” says Jin Davis. “I am thrilled to take an expanded role as APAICS continues to strengthen the political pipeline at all levels of public service.”

“APAICS has made great strides in the last year in developing the infrastructure to support the surge in political growth of our community,” said APAICS President and CEO Gloria Chan. “I am honored to work with Susan to fulfill our mission.” 

Jin Davis brings her knowledge and expertise to help Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities thrive. Jin Davis has over 20 years experience in the communications industry. She currently oversees strategic partnerships for Comcast’s voice and high-speed internet services. Prior to Comcast, Jin Davis served as Vice President of Investor Relations and External Affairs for Covad Communications Company.

Jin Davis’s skills and leadership has not only developed new business opportunities to enhance Comcast’s services, but she has also helped bridge new relationships between the company and the AAPI community. Jin Davis steers Comcast’s diversity efforts, particularly with the AAPI community. She has significantly increased the distribution of Asian American programing with the newly launched Cinema Asian America, which serves as a platform to countless forms of entertainment that star or were produced by AAPIs. Most recently, Jin Davis negotiated the historic Memorandum of Understanding between Comcast and the AAPI community during the company’s merger with NBC Universal. The groundbreaking commitment creates growth in areas of programming, supplier and employment diversity, and community investment.

APAICS is pleased to welcome its new board chair, Susan Jin Davis. 

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APAICS WELCOMES A NEW CLASS OF SUMMER INTERNS

For 18 years, the APAICS Summer Internship program has welcomed close to 200 undergraduate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students to Washington, D.C. This summer, eleven of our community’s best and brightest will forge a new path in public service and have the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in public government, policy, and AAPI issues on a national level. This long-standing program is another way APAICS strives to fulfill its mission of promoting AAPI participation and representation at all levels of the political process.  

This year over 100 undergraduates applied to the APAICS program. Of the applicants, eleven exceptional young leaders were chosen to represent our diverse AAPI communities in public service. The APAICS interns hail from all over the country. These leaders are passionate about various issues ranging from health policy to environmental justice, to women’s rights and Islander rights, as well as domestic and international affairs. As our country grows ever more ethnically diverse, so do the APAICS interns as they develop careers in public service in our nation’s capital for the first time.

Our co-founders believed that our AAPI leaders should have access to different bodies of government, policy, and national AAPI non-profits to gain insight to national AAPI issues. To continue our founders’ vision, APAICS has the privilege in placing interns in AAPI non-profits, Capitol Hill, federal agencies, and the White House. With only a few weeks of experience, APAICS interns have already had the distinct honor of representing their offices. On the Hill, interns have written letters and lead Capitol tours to Members’ constituents. Similarly, APAICS interns have represented their federal agencies by making site visits to meet organizations that have been awarded with federal funding. APAICS interns placed in the White House have worked on national programs such as the First Lady’s Let’s Move! initiative and briefings for underserved AAPI communities.

During the summer internship, APAICS interns will have ample amounts of formal and informal opportunities for leadership development. This year, APAICS is offering AAPI interns an exciting communications training in July to help further develop their public speaking skills. Interns will also hone their leadership skills by building new professional relationships at panels, workshops, and other events hosted by AAPI and Tri-Caucus organizations.

APAICS is excited to welcome its diverse group of summer interns. They come from different backgrounds, but share a vision of service. We are dedicated to fostering our young AAPI leaders’ interest in public service to strengthen the political pipeline at all levels of the political process.

APAICS 2012 Summer Interns:

Liza Ansher

Brandeis University

U.S. Department of Environmental Protection Agency

Veyom Bahl

University of Pennsylvania

The White House - Domestic Policy Council 

Tony Canseco

State University of New York Maritime College

APAICS Office

Vincent Fang

Syracuse University

The White House Initiative for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

Becky Lee

University of California, Berkeley

Rep. Judy Chu (CA-32)

Norah Ledoux                                            

California State University, East Bay       

U.S. Department of Interior

Sandy Lee

Wesleyan University

Rep. Jackie Speier (CA-12) 

Laura Li

Oberlin College

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Janice Ringler 

Purdue University

Rep. Mazie Hirono (HI-02)

Quincy Vien

University of California, Los Angeles

Rep. Grace Napolitano (CA-38)

Andrea Xu

University of California, Berkeley

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

APAICS thanks our APAICS 2012 Summer Internship sponsors: Comcast/NBC Universal, Facebook, Southwest Airlines, Toyota, and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  

WASHINGTON, DC - The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) honors the legacy of Vincent Chin, who 30 years ago was murdered in Detroit, the victim of a hate crime. The racially motivated murder of Chin proved to be a turning point in the Asian Pacific American movement, when largely disparate Asian communities began to come together to address common concerns and for the first time to forge the emergence of the Asian Pacific American identity. 

Vincent Chin died on June 23, 1982 after being brutally attacked by two out-of-work Detroit auto-workers who blamed Japanese competition for job losses in the U.S.  auto industry. Chin, who was of Chinese descent, was assaulted with baseball bats while attending his own bachelor party. His attackers never received any jail time for his murder.

Out of the movement that began after Vincent Chin’s death, NCAPA was formed to provide a national voice for Asian Pacific Americans. Today, NCAPA members continue to combat many of the same issues that were highlighted by the Vincent Chin case 30 years ago, including the use of xenophobic rhetoric in the political sphere, racial profiling, hate crimes, and more recently, the hazing and bullying of Asian Pacific Americans in the military and schools. Our collective work on behalf of the Asian Pacific American community continues now as it did then, with an unyielding commitment to equality and justice for all.

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UPDATED: June 29, 2012

The number of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) challengers running for US Congress shot from 8 in 2010 to a record 29 declared candidates for the 2012 election, so far.

AAPI communities are the fastest growing population in America, according the US Census. This historic number candidates running for US Congress shows the rapid growth of AAPI political engagement as well.

The South Asian population doubled in size in the last ten years. This mirrors trends in political participation as over one third of the congressional candidates are South Asian.

There is also emergence of candidates in areas other than the Western region of the US and US Territories. While Hawai’i and the West Coast continue to flood congressional races with AAPI challengers, we are seeing more AAPI congressional challengers, in the Midwest and the South. For example, two AAPI candidates are faced each other in the primary for Illinois’s 8th District: Tammy Duckworth and Raja Krishnamoorthi, with Duckworth victorious.

On partisan diversity, there are currently five Republican candidates in the mix: Dr. Marisha Agana (OH-13), Ron Bhalla (TN-03), Joe Chow (TX-06), Charles Djou (HI-01), and Ranjit “Ricky” Gill (CA-11). Today, there is only one AAPI Republican serving in the US Congress, namely Rep. Steve Austria (OH-07).

Notably, AAPI candidates are also looking up the political pipeline for the 2012 election. US Rep. Mazie Hirono (HI-02) and State Rep. William Tong (CT-147) declared to run for their respective US Senate seats, though Tong pulled out of his Senate race. 

This rapid growth of AAPI candidates builds upon legacies of AAPI leaders like US Secretary Norman Y. Mineta, founder of both the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) and APAICS. Just four decades ago, San Jose elected US Secretary Mineta as the first AAPI mayor of a major US city.

Today, CAPAC members are rising in leadership ranks. US Sen. Daniel K. Inouye serves as the Senate president pro tempore, third in line of succession to the US presidency. CAPAC Executive Board member, US Rep. Xavier Becerra (CA-31) was recently appointed to serve on the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, also referred to as the “Super Committee.” US Rep. Mike Honda (CA-15) who served as CAPAC Chair for seven years, currently sits on two influential House committees: the Appropriations and Budget Committees.

US Rep. Judy Chu (CA-32), the first Chinese American woman serving in Congress, continues this legacy by forging new paths and further strengthening our voice as CAPAC Chair. APAICS looks forward to continuing our work with CAPAC in the coming years. APAICS is proud to have an alumni of both the APAICS internship and fellowship programs, Gene Kim, serving as CAPAC executive director.

In addition to national elected offices, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal won his reelection to a second term. He and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley are the two current AAPI governors in the US.

Lastly, AAPI leaders are also making history in major continental US cities. San Francisco, with AAPIs making up a third of its population, elected its first AAPI mayor, Edwin Lee.

APAICS alumni also saw continued success. APAICS Leadership Academy alumna Mayor Lisa Wong won her reelection in Fitchburg to her third term as the first AAPI female mayor in Massachusetts. Earlier this year in March, APAICS intern alumni Mark Pulido was elected as the first Filipino City Council Member in Cerritos, CA.

The growing political engagement of AAPIs is fueling the community’s influence at all levels of the political process throughout America. APAICS is proud to continue its work in developing our community’s future political leaders.

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The Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) is a national non-partisan, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting Asian Pacific American participation and representation at all levels of the political process, from community service to elected office. Founded in 1994 by former Secretary Norman Y. Mineta, APAICS serves as a resource to Congress and the general public on issues related to the political advancement of Asian Pacific Americans.   

APAICS February 2012 newsletter

In 2007, Lisa Wong launched her distinguished career in public service by becoming the first minority mayor of the City of Fitchburg, and the first female Asian American mayor in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Mayor Wong’s innovative leadership has been instrumental in economic restructuring, environmental affairs, and redevelopment projects for the City of Fitchburg. 

Mayor Wong was one of seven participants of the APAICS Leadership Academy for Elected Officials in 2010. “APAICS was instrumental in giving me a foundation for understanding national politics,” says Mayor Wong. “I still strongly believe that all politics is local, and that government officials on the state, federal or international level who understand that are the most successful and impactful.”

Mayor Wong has been able to lower crime, make significant capital improvements, and attract private investment. She is also a leader in conservation efforts, setting aside over 1,700 acres for permanent conservation and building parks and trails along the Nashua River.

Mayor Wong grew up in Massachusetts and attended Boston University where she received a dual bachelor’s degree in international relations and economics, and master’s degree in economics. She began working for the Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority in 2001 and became the agency’s executive director in 2004. As director, she managed several urban renewal projects to revitalize Fitchburg, such as the redevelopment of a former General Electric facility into a modern business complex.

Mayor Wong has seen her hard work come into fruition with her recent reelection for a third term as mayor of Fitchburg. Mayor Wong’s close reelection continues to strengthen the AAPI leadership pipeline and reinforces the need for civic engagement from Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities.

The APAICS Leadership Academy for Elected Officials was established in 1999 to provide AAPI elected officials with the skills and resources needed to excel in their current office as well as preparing them for opportunities to advance into higher office. The APAICS Leadership Academy brings together a bipartisan group of promising AAPI political leaders from state legislatures, city councils, and local governing bodies all across the country. Over 90 elected officials have participated in the Leadership Academy since its inception.

“Being an APAICS alumni gave me more confidence that my political career will not end with local government, and that there is a strong support network with APAICS to pursue further goals.”

For more information about the APAICS Leadership Academy or to sign up for this year’s Academy, contact APAICS program director at lmohib@apaics.org.

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APAICS February 2012 newsletter

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities are making great political strides in New Orleans and in the Gulf Coast. Louisiana is home of one of two AAPI governors: Governor Bobby Jindal. Joseph Anh Cao’s term in the U.S. Congress has emboldened new generations of Southeast Asian community leaders in New Orleans and beyond, who are making their voices heard on behalf of the AAPI fisher folk impacted by the oil spill. Earlier this month, Bernardette D’Souza, an Indian American longtime legal aid attorney won a special election for the city’s first family court judgeship that she helped to create.

For more information, contact the APAICS Program Director at lmohib@apaics.org or (202) 296-9200.

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APAICS February 2012 newsletter

On February 2, 2012, two photographs of Fred Korematsu (1919-2005) were unveiled in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Portrait Gallery’s historic exhibit, The Struggle for Justice. APAICS Administrator of Finance and Development Helen Ruggiero attended the ceremony and recounts the commemoration.

It was an exciting time to be a part of the Fred Korematsu celebration, especially since he is the first featured Asian American in the exhibition. Fred’s photographs and lifelong commitment to justice were recognized alongside fellow legendary civil rights leaders like Susan B. Anthony, Frederick Douglass, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, César Chávez, Thurgood Marshall, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
 
The room swelled with pride as Fred’s family and other Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) leaders gathered to pay tribute to his life.  Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-32) and CAPAC Chair Emeritus Rep. Mike Honda (CA-15) spoke about Korematsu’s courage to stand up to the injustice of Japanese American internment camps during WWII. Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-05) spoke about how her husband, Rep. Bob Matsui (1941-2005), and Fred were steadfast in their support to advance all communities facing injustice. Former Secretary Norman Mineta shared stories about working with Fred on Capitol Hill to ensure that Japanese American internees received redress and reparations from the U.S. government.

It was also touching to hear Karen Korematsu, Fred’s daughter and co-founder of the Korematsu Institute, share stories from her childhood and how her father’s arrest and decision to challenge the legality of the internment camps had a rippling effect on her and the rest of our country.
 
Fred’s bravery to always speak up during times of injustice, reminds us of our inner strength as well as the beauty of America’s diversity. The unveiling made me feel proud to be an honorary AAPI. We can all learn from Fred Korematsu’s life and always remember to speak up against injustice.

 

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APAICS February 2012 newsletter

Earlier this month, the Congressional Asian Pacific Caucus (CAPAC)  welcomed ten new associate members representing districts of California,  Washington, New York, and Maryland. In all, there are now 40 members of the caucus, a historic high for dues paying membership.

“As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, it is my pleasure to welcome our latest CAPAC members to the caucus,” said Rep.  Judy Chu (CA-32) in the CAPAC press release. “Their commitment to serving as a voice for Asians Americans and Pacific Islanders, as well as the many diverse communities who call our great nation home, will strengthen CAPAC’s ability to fight for fair and equal treatment for all Americans. I am grateful for their dedication to our cause, and look forward to their contributions to our ever-growing community.”

CAPAC is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the AAPI community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994 by APAICS’s founder, Secretary Norman Y. Mineta.

“I look forward to working with CAPAC’s newest members,” said APAICS President and CEO Gloria Chan,  a former executive director of CAPAC. “Led by Rep. Judy Chu, the caucus is a strong voice on behalf of our underserved communities in the halls of Congress. The growing caucus reflects our expanding influence of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities across the nation.”

The new CAPAC members are Representatives Karen Bass (CA-33), Howard Berman (CA-28), Susan Davis (CA-53), Janice Hahn (CA-36), Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-14), Grace Napolitano (CA-38), Linda Sanchez (CA-39), Adam Schiff (CA-29), Adam Smith (WA-09), and Chris Van Hollen (MD-08).

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