ASPIRE PAC Announces New Slate of Congressional Endorsements

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, ASPIRE PAC announced that it has endorsed four Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) candidates for Congress: Nida Allam, running in the open NC-04 seat; Kesha Ram Hinsdale, running in the open VT-AL seat; Shrina Kurani, running against Rep. Ken Calvert in CA-41; and Dr. Asif Mahmood, running against Young Kim in CA-40. ASPIRE PAC has already endorsed Jay Chen, running against Michelle Steel in CA-45. Chair Grace Meng released the following statement on the endorsements:

“It’s more important than ever that the AAPI community has elected representatives that share our values and understand the everyday challenges we face. ASPIRE PAC is proud to endorse these four AAPI candidates who will fight to lower the cost of living, provide AAPI families and small businesses with the tools they need to succeed, and keep them safe and secure in their communities. These candidates will be strong advocates for our community and I look forward to witnessing their leadership first hand in Congress.”

Nida Allam (NC-04)

After losing loved ones in an anti-Muslim hate crime, Nida dedicated herself to public service and being a strong voice for underserved and underrepresented communities. She has already broken barriers as the first Muslim woman elected to public office in North Carolina. As Durham County Commissioner she has fought to raise the minimum wage and for property tax relief for low-income residents, and she will bring that same vision, passion, and commitment to Congress.

Kesha Ram Hinsdale (VT-AL)

In her decade serving in Vermont’s legislature, Sen. Ram Hinsdale has led on protecting our environment, advancing paid family and medical leave, and expanding early and higher education opportunities for children and their families. She has spent her time in public service building important coalitions and relationships, and she knows how to legislate effectively. Sen. Ram Hinsdale made history in 2020 as the first woman of color ever elected to the Vermont State Senate, and I look forward to her making history again as the first Jewish person of color in Congress.

Shrina Kurani (CA-41)

As a first-generation American born and raised in Riverside, Shrina understands the struggles and issues her community members face. And as the daughter of small business owners and an entrepreneur herself, Shrina knows how she can help CA-41 constituents get ahead and stay ahead. Shrina knows how important it is that CA-41 residents feel safe and healthy, and she will work tirelessly for them in Congress.

Dr. Asif Mahmood (CA-40)

Dr. Mahmood came to America to practice medicine and to serve and help those in dire need of care. As a physician and as a philanthropic leader he has always put the needs of others first, and I know he will do the same for the residents of CA-40. Congress needs his compassion and dedication, and I know he will be a determined and empathetic voice for the AAPI communities in his district.

Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders Rising & Empowering Political Action Committee (ASPIRE PAC) is the political arm of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Members of Congress. ASPIRE PAC is committed to supporting candidates of AAPI descent and incumbents who represent large communities of AAPI voters. According to the 2020 census, the AAPI community is the fastest-growing demographic in the country. In addition, in 2020 the AAPI community increased its voter turnout more than any other community of color. ASPIRE PAC is chaired by Congresswoman Grace Meng. There are currently 21 AAPI Members of Congress, including two U.S. Senators.

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