Washington, DC — APIAVote extends its heartfelt congratulations and deep gratitude to Representative Judy Chu as she steps down from her historic role as Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC). Serving as the caucus’s longest-serving chair since 2011, Rep. Chu has been a tireless advocate for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.
“Chair Judy Chu has always spoken up when she saw the AAPI community being unfairly targeted by harmful stereotypes, hate incidents, or misguided legislation. Furthermore, she always made herself accessible and never hesitated to speak at events around the country, including our summer reception for AAPI interns learning about politics in Washington, DC. For those young leaders, seeing a strong, trailblazing figure like Judy Chu is an indelibly inspirational moment,” said Christine Chen, Executive Director of APIAVote.
“She has also been a steadfast champion in ensuring our community was seen and heard, and she has gone above and beyond to support our efforts, including her leadership in ensuring that Presidential candidates come to address the AAPI electorate, such as at our Presidential Town Halls, and that AAPI voters receive the same attention as other voters. She consistently went the extra mile to ensure the AAPI community was properly represented and our voices amplified on the national stage.”
As CAPAC Chair, Rep. Chu consistently championed the needs and concerns of the AAPI community, building CAPAC into a powerful force in Washington, DC. Her legislative accomplishments include introducing a resolution of regret for the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, addressing military hazing, creating affordable housing, protecting entrepreneurs and small businesses and reviving the Small Business Administration’s 504 loan refinance program. She also played a pivotal role in advancing equity and justice for AAPI communities, as well as elevating and advocating for legislation to end hate crimes against AAPIs. Rep. Chu also was a leader in Tri-Caucus efforts to bring attention to health, labor, education and civil rights issues impacting all Americans. The Tri-Caucus is a powerhouse of diverse leaders comprising the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC).
“It has truly been an honor for me personally to have worked with Chair Judy Chu. Her 13 years of service underscore her dedication and commitment to making CAPAC a force in our nation’s capital,” added Chen.
APIAVote also congratulates Congresswoman Grace Meng on her election as the new CAPAC Chair. “CAPAC is fortunate to have so many capable leaders in their midst and it is with excitement that I anticipate my friend Congresswoman Grace Meng’s leadership as CAPAC’s new chair for the 119th Congress. Her commitment to advancing AAPI voices and concerns will undoubtedly build on the incredible foundation laid by Rep. Chu,” said Chen.
APIAVote looks forward to continuing its work with CAPAC to empower AAPI communities and ensure their voices are heard in our democracy.
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About APIAVote: Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote) is the nation’s leading nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to engaging, educating, and empowering Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities to strengthen and sustain a culture of civic engagement. See our website for more information at https://www.apiavote.org/
