Asian Americans move quickly to endorse Kamala Harris

Asian Americans in Congress as well as influential AAPI political action committees moved quickly Sunday to endorse Kamala Harris for President.

“She’s a fighter who can prosecute the case against another four years of Donald Trump and his dangerous agenda outlined in Project 2025 and fire up voters of color to vote for progress in November,” said Rep Grace Meng (D-NY) who is vice chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

If elected, Harris would be the first Indian American and Asian American president as well as the first woman president.

The Indian American Impact Fund was among the first to endorse the Vice President.

It pledged to mobilize the Indian American and South Asian vote on her behalf, saying she is the best person to unite the nation.

“A history-making vice president, Harris is a tested and proven leader who has consistently demonstrated a strong, unwavering commitment to our community’s values,” said Indian American Impact Fund executive director Chintan Patel. As one of the nation’s foremost leaders on reproductive and women’s rights to championing policies that have helped countless small business owners and entrepreneurs, Harris has shown she is eminently qualified on a range of policies and knows how to build diverse coalitions.”

Among those to immediately endorse the Vice President are:

• Sen Mazie Hirono (D-HI)
• Rep Judy Chu (D-CA)
• Rep Ro Khanna (D-CA)
• Rep Ted Lieu (D-CA)
• Rep Mark Takano (D-CA)
• Rep Ami Bera (D-CA)
• Rep Jill Tokuda (D-HI)
• Rep Shri Thanedar (D-MI)
• Rep Any Kim (D-NJ)
• Rep Grace Meng (D-NY)
• Rep Pramila Jayapal (D-WA)
• Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-WA)

Congressional Progressive Caucus chair Priyapal announced the group “is proud that our members overwhelmingly voted to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President! Let’s get this done!”

Within five hours of announcing her candidacy, Harris raised more than 27 million dollars. By the end of the day, that fundraising total jumped to $50 million.

Biden who ran for the Democratic nomination without any strong opposition stumbled after what many considered a poor debate performance during which he seemed to lose his train of thought. The debate reinforced the notion that he was too old to be President.

Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries, Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer all met with Biden to tell him his candidacy could cost the Democrats a chance at regaining the House and retaining a majority in the Senate. They also told him he had no path to victory.

Biden’s decision to step aside is being lauded by many Democrats as being emblematic of a man who has devoted his life to public service and who has put his country over himself.

Rep Ted Lieu considers himself a long time Harris supporter and didn’t hesitate to announce his support.

“Four years ago, I was the first Member of Congress to endorse Kamala Harris for President. So honored to endorse @KamalaHarris again for President. Last weekend I had the honor to ride on Air Force Two with Vice President Harris. Next year Kamala Harris will be on Air Force One.”

Both the Asian American Action Fund and the AAPI Victory Fund also came out in support of Harris.

“As we look towards the future, we steadfastly agree with President Biden – Vice President Kamala Harris is the Democratic Party’s best choice to win this November. We will fight with all of our might to make her the first South Asian and Black woman ever to serve as President of the United States.” said Shekar Narasimhan, Chairman and Founder, and Joe Nguyễn, President and CEO, of the AAPI Victory Fund

“Kamala Harris has consistently demonstrated her dedication to the values we hold dear: equality, opportunity, and justice for all,” said Albert Shen, National Chair of AAAFund. Her track record speaks volumes about her capability to lead our country towards a more inclusive and prosperous future. We are proud to stand with her and are confident in her ability to address the needs and concerns of the AANHPI community and all Americans.”