Tuesday’s historic election will send several new Asian Americans and one Pacific Islander (AAPI) to Congress, many of whom will be setting historic firsts when they are officially sworn in.
“Last night’s election was a resounding repudiation of President Trump and his failed policies that put the safety, security, and civil rights of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders at risk. It also marked a historic step forward for AAPI representation, with at least 22 AAPI Members poised to join CAPAC next year—the largest number in our nation’s history,” said Rep. Grace Meng, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC).
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- Pia Dandiya
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- Dan Koh
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- Alicia Garrido Limtiaco
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- Dr. Richard Pan
Four new AAPI candidates were elected to serve in the House of Representatives: Pia Dandiya is the first Indian American woman elected to represent Florida’s 22nd Congressional District; Dan Koh is the first Korean and Lebanese American elected to represent Massachusetts’ 6th Congressional District; Alicia Garrido Limtiaco is the first CHamoru (Chamorro) woman elected to represent Guam’s At-Large Congressional District; and Dr. Richard Pan is the first Chinese American elected to represent California’s 6th Congressional District.
At this time, Dr. Amish Shah holds the lead in a close race that has yet to be decided. If Dr. Shah wins, he will be the first Indian American elected to represent Arizona’s 1st Congressional District and bring the total number of CAPAC’s AAPI Members to 23 next year.
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