ASPIRE PAC Announces Slate of Congressional Endorsements

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, ASPIRE PAC announced the endorsements of three additional Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) candidates for Congress: Lanon Baccam, running in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District against Republican Zach Nunn; Susheela Jayapal, running in Oregon’s 3rd Congressional District, an open seat held by retiring Rep. Earl Blumenaur; and Dr. Amish Shah, running in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District against Republican David Schweikert. ASPIRE Chair Grace Meng released the following statement on the endorsements:

“The support of the AANHPI community will be critical as Democrats look to retake the House Majority and retain the Senate and White House in this year’s elections. ASPIRE PAC knows that meaningful engagement with Asian American voters is critical to winning races up and down the ballot, and we will continue to aggressively expand our battlefield map. We are proud to support these three AANHPI candidates who will be much-needed voices for our community in Congress.”

Lanon Baccam (IA-03)

As the son of Tai Dam refugees who fled Laos and settled in Southwest Iowa, Lanon Baccam has dedicated his life to public service. From serving our country in Afghanistan as a combat engineer, to serving in the United States Department of Agriculture and working to support veterans, farmers, and rural Americans, he has never stopped being a voice for hard-working families. Lanon understands the priorities of his fellow Iowans, and he will always be an advocate for affordable health care, access to good-paying jobs, and protecting a woman’s right to choose. ASPIRE PAC is excited to endorse his campaign to give Iowans the representation in Congress they deserve.”

Susheela Jayapal (OR-03)

“Susheela Jayapal is a trusted champion on the issues that matter to the AANHPI community. She has been a tireless advocate for women’s reproductive freedom, gun safety legislation that keeps our communities safe, and protecting our environment. As Multnomah County Commissioner, she has fought for more affordable housing, more support for immigrants and refugees, and support for survivors of domestic violence. Susheela is a strong progressive voice who knows how to get things done, and ASPIRE PAC is proud to endorse her campaign.”

Dr. Amish Shah (AZ-01)

“Dr. Amish Shah has worked tirelessly for Arizona families, both through his medical practice and as one of the most effective legislators in Arizona’s House of Representatives. Dr. Shah has more bills signed into law than any other Arizona Democrat in over a decade and knows how to work on a bipartisan basis for common-sense solutions. Dr. Shah will always put people over politics, and ASPIRE PAC strongly endorses his campaign.”

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. There are currently 21 AAPI Members of Congress, including two U.S. Senators, and two new Members of Congress – Shri Thanedar (MI-13) and Jill Tokuda (HI-02).

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