Congressional Leadership PAC Endorses Tokuda & Thanedor

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, ASPIRE PAC announced the endorsements of two additional Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) candidates for Congress: Shri Thanedar, running in the open MI-13 seat; and Jill Tokuda, running in the open HI-02 seat. ASPIRE PAC has already endorsed Jay Chen, running against Michelle Steel in CA-45, and Asif Mahmood, running against Young Kim in CA-40. Chair Grace Meng released the following statement on the endorsements:

“The AAPI community is an important political force in our country, and it is critical that Congress is representative of our growing community. ASPIRE PAC is proud to endorse Shri Thanedar and Jill Tokuda to be voices for the AAPI community and trusts them to fight to lower the cost of living, for common sense gun safety that will keep our children safe, and protect women’s right to choose and their reproductive freedom. Both of these candidates will be strong advocates for our community and I look forward to working with them in Congress.”

Shri Thanedar (MI-13)

"Shri Thanedar is the personification of the American Dream and can be trusted to fight to ensure his constituents receive the economic and social opportunities they deserve. As a member of Michigan’s House of Representatives and its Appropriation Committee, he’s been a voice for Detroit and fought for funding for schools, both health and mental health centers, and to clean Detroit’s drinking water. Shri will be an outstanding Member of Congress and I look forward to him making history as Michigan’s first South Asian representative."

Jill Tokuda (HI-02)

"In her decade-plus serving in Hawaii’s State Senate, Jill Tokuda has led on investing in the education of Hawaiian children, including establishing the state’s first Office on Early Learning, making college more affordable, and investing in school health programs. In addition, with her expertise as the former chair of Hawaii's Ways and Means Committee and her experience as a small business owner, Jill can be trusted to deliver the resources and investments the people of Hawai’i need to thrive. Most of all, Jill will be a staunch advocate for women and their health rights, and I look forward to fighting alongside her in Congress."

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.