AAAF Launches Endorsements of 12 Federal & State Legislative Candidates
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: April 23, 2020
CONTACT: Aisha Yaqoob Mahmood (404)-487-5253
In Georgia, the Asian American Advocacy Fund Launches a Series of Endorsements of
12 Candidates for Elected Office
Gwinnett County, GA, April 24, 2020— Today, the Asian American Advocacy Fund is launching a series of endorsements in 12 critical state and national races. In an already important election year made even more complicated by this devastating public health crisis, these candidates are focused on the issues that matter most in our communities. Over the next few weeks, we will be highlighting these candidates and the issues they champion individually in a series of press releases and via @AsianAAF social media channels. To have earned an endorsement from the Asian American Advocacy Fund means that these candidates are using their platforms to advocate for policies that protect the best interests of Asian American/Pacific Islander communities and progressive causes across Georgia and the nation.
Nationally, Brenda Lopez Romero, is in a race to serve Georgia and represent District 7 in the U.S. House of Representatives. We endorsed Brenda because she is an invaluable advocate for immigrant communities and has encouraged young Latnix and Asian American voters to get involved in the political process. Brenda represented the most diverse county in the Georgia state house of representatives, and in her time as a legislator, she never shied away from using her voice to advocate for marginalized communities. In her work as an immigration lawyer, Brenda has been a tireless champion for communities of color and we are proud to endorse her because we know she will continue that important work to remedy inequity in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Teresa Tomlinson is running against David Perdue to represent Georgia in the U.S. Senate. Teresa has proven herself to be a fearless public servant as the two-term mayor of Columbus, and her experience as a lawyer has showcased her tenacious and relentless work ethic. Teresa has used her platform to advocate for ending voter suppression, reducing climate change, and providing universal health care for Georgians. We are proud to endorse Teresa because we know that she will use her leadership experience and progressive ideals to fight for a Georgia that is safer and more equitable for all of us.
In state races, these are the legislative candidates making a difference in immigrants rights, criminal justice reform, LGBTQ+ issues, and other policies that directly impact our communities:
Nikki Merritt (Senate District 9) is a working mom and union member who understands how issues compounded by the intersections of race and class most directly impact marginalized communities.
Nikema Williams (Incumbent, Senate District 39) is a champion of women’s rights and voting rights with a consistent track record of being a fearless ally to our communities. We are proud to support her in bid for reelection to the State Senate.
Kim Jackson (Senate District 41) is an experienced lifelong community advocate and faith leader who will use her time in public office to fight for the advancement of all Georgians, advocate for women and children, and work to strengthen the quality of education for working families.
Dr. Michelle Au (Senate District 48) is a health professional and first-generation Chinese American whose experience and leadership will be invaluable in the middle of this COVID-19 crisis and after as we work to build a public health infrastructure that protects all of us.
Alex Wan (House District 57) was the first Chinese American elected to the Atlanta City Council, and has been an excellent advocate for Asian Americans, LBGTQ+ people, and communities of color throughout his career.
Renitta Shannon (Incumbent, House District 84) is the first bi-sexual legislator to serve in the Georgia General Assembly and has used her time in public office to advocate for economic justice and the rights of women and the LGBTQ+ community.
Bee Nguyen (Incumbent, House District 89) is a Vietnamese-American who currently serves in the state legislature and consistently uses her platform to stand up for our communities of color, immigrants, refugees, victims of voter suppression, and many more.
Rhonda Taylor (House District 91) is an advocate for economic opportunity for her district and hopes to bring a fresh perspective and much-needed new representation to a district that continues to change every day
Marvin Lim (House District 99) is a Filipino American attorney who has championed gun safety initiatives and the expansion of voting rights. He has a vast career in public service and community advocacy with various nonpartisan organizations in the state.
Dr. Rebecca Mitchell (House District 106) is a public health policy expert, scientist, veterinarian, advocate, and mother who will advocate for, and protect, our communities in the State Capitol. We are proud to lift up her voice and support the continuation of her work in public health and as an advocate for criminal and immigrant justice reform.
“The coronavirus pandemic has only served to further highlight the inequities that are inherent in our society. Communities of color are among some of the hardest hit in Georgia and across the country. Candidates who use their voice to advocate on behalf of marginalized communities are an important piece of turning the tide on this epidemic and crafting policies that are effective and inclusive of all of us. Immigrants and people of color are the backbone of this country, and every day that our national leaders fail to act more of our community members are endangered. In the midst of this crisis, we are proud to elevate the candidacies of those who are willing to fight for marginalized communities and enact policies that are inclusive of all of us. We must stand united against racism, xenophobia, and ineffective leadership in order to make it through this pandemic,” said Aisha Yaqoob Mahmood, Director of the Asian American Advocacy Fund.
Georgia’s primaries were just rescheduled to June 9, and the general election will take place November 3.
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About the Asian American Advocacy Fund:
The Asian American Advocacy Fund is a 501(c)4 social welfare organization dedicated to building a politically-conscious, engaged, and progressive Asian American base in Georgia. Through a combination of policy advocacy at local, state, and federal levels, and by supporting candidates that believe in our values, we fight to create a better Georgia for us all. | www.asianamericanadvocacyfund.org