ASPIRE PAC Announces Slate of Congressional Endorsements
May 27, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders Rising & Empowering Political Action Committee (ASPIRE PAC) announced the endorsements of six Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) candidates for Congress:
Dr. Amish Shah, running in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District against Republican David Schweikert; Deja Foxx, running in Arizona’s 7th Congressional District, an open seat formerly held by the late Rep. Raúl Grijalva; Esther Kim Varet, running in California’s 40th Congressional District against Republican Young Kim; Anuj Dixit, running in California’s 41st Congressional District against Republican Ken Calvert; Sanjyot Dunung, running in Illinois’ 8th Congressional District, an open seat currently held by Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi; and Eric Chung, running in Michigan’s 10th Congressional District, an open seat currently held by Republican John James.
ASPIRE Chair Marilyn Strickland released the following statements on their endorsements:
“Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders represent over 25 million Americans, making us the fastest-growing voting bloc in the country. This slate of candidates shows that our community is not a monolith and deserves early and consistent engagement,” said ASPIRE PAC Chair Marilyn Strickland. “Across the nation, AANHPI voters are the margin of victory in close elections and critical races. ASPIRE PAC is proud to endorse this slate who will ensure that our voices are heard in the halls of Congress, and that our voters will not be taken for granted.”
“Dr. Amish Shah has dedicated his career to serving others through his medical practice and as a former member of Arizona’s House of Representatives. He has had more bills signed into law than any other Arizona Democrat in the last decade, proving that he is one of Arizona’s most effective bi-partisan legislators who can deliver results for his constituents.”
“Like thousands of Arizonans, Deja Foxx knows what it’s like to rely on free school lunches, SNAP benefits, and Medicaid to make ends meet. At a time when these vital programs are under attack by Congressional Republicans, her voice is needed in Congress now more than ever. Deja will always stand up to extremism and put working people first.”
“As the daughter of Korean immigrants, Esther Kim Varet is determined to restore the promise of the American Dream. Esther can be trusted to be a real voice for our community and fight to ensure that the next generation of Asian Americans is as successful as the last. ”
“As a lawyer, Anuj Dixit has won some of the toughest legal fights, and now he’s ready to bring his work ethic to Congress. A son of Riverside, Anuj is ready to shake up a system that has been rigged by insiders like Ken Calvert.”
“Sanjyot is a successful businesswoman shifting her focus to make our public institutions work better for all Americans. She’s delivered practical and innovative solutions in the private sector and is ready to deliver commonsense solutions that will help working families get ahead.”
“Growing up as the son of an automotive worker, Eric Chung knows the challenges facing Michigan families, and the empty promises made by politicians who have left them behind. As an attorney, Eric has fought for children sickened by lead-contaminated water and veterans who were denied the benefits they have earned. Eric will always stand up for Michigan values, and work to restore the policies that made his family’s American dream possible.”
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Founded in 2011 and chaired by Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland, ASPIRE PAC is the political arm of the Democratic Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Members of Congress.
ASPIRE PAC is committed to supporting candidates of AANHPI descent and incumbents who represent large communities of AANHPI voters. In the 2024 cycle they helped elect four new AANHPI Democrats to Congress.
Paid for and authorized by the ASPIRE PAC, 910 17th Street NW Ste 1050, Washington, DC 20006
