MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
Chinese American delegates from New York attending the Democratic National Convention in Chicago are preparing to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris, who has made history as the first Asian American and Black woman to be a major party’s presidential nominee.
Leading the delegation are Congresswoman Grace Meng and State Senators John Liu and Iwen Chu.
Congresswoman Meng highlighted the significance of Harris’s nomination, noting it represents a historic milestone for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. Meng emphasized the Biden-Harris Administration’s support for issues affecting these groups, including efforts against anti-Asian hate and investments in education institutions serving AANHPI communities.
“I am looking forward to making history by nominating Vice President Kamala Harris to officially be the Democratic Party’s nominee for President. This will be our party’s first ever nominee for President of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) heritage,” Meng said. “The Biden-Harris Administration has been a staunch ally for our community. From addressing Anti-Asian Hate to historic investments in Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions for higher education, they have not forgotten us. As the fastest-growing voting bloc in the nation, we must not forget the progress made and the work that needs to be continued. AANHPI voters were crucial in electing Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in 2020 and we need to rally together again by electing Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in November.”
State Senator John Liu expressed enthusiasm for the convention, comparing it to the 2008 Democratic National Convention when the first Black president was nominated. Liu praised the Biden administration’s leadership and criticized former President Donald Trump for his comments referring to the coronavirus as the “China Virus,” which Liu condemned as offensive to the Asian American community.
“Not since 2008 have I been so excited to attend a Democratic National Convention when we nominated the first Black President,” Liu said. “I feel so honored to be a delegate at this historic event to hear directly from Presidents Biden, Obama, and Clinton, and of course, the soon-to-be first Asian-American President of the United States Kamala Harris! This is an election where the Asian-American community will have a more critical impact than ever before.”
State Senator Chu, the first Asian woman elected to the New York State Senate, underscored the growing political influence of AAPI voters and voiced strong support for Harris.
“The political influence of AAPI voters is only growing, with the nomination of Kamala Harris for president as the latest milestone in our community’s progress,” Chu said. “As the first Asian woman to be elected to the New York State Senate, I am proudly supporting her campaign and cast my delegate vote in her favor,” said NYS Senator Iwen Chu. “Now, it’s time for us to band together, mobilize our districts, and ensure that Democrats not only win in November, but that the first woman and person of Asian descent is elected as President of the United States.”
Among the New York Chinese American delegates are Chung Seto, a seasoned Democratic leader and strategist, and Alexander Wang, the Executive Director of the New York State Democratic Party. The delegate roster also includes Queens activist Edwin Wong as an alternate.
The group Chinese Americans for Harris-Walz, which includes these delegates, is mobilizing support for Harris and running mate Tim Walz. This organization seeks to rally the Chinese American community, which is a significant part of the larger Asian American demographic, to back the Democratic ticket in the upcoming election.
