‘Filipino Americans for Harris-Walz’ launched
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz arrive at a campaign rally in Philadelphia, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
LOS ANGELES – As Vice President Kamala Harris selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate on Tuesday, Filipino American democrats launched the “Filipino Americans for Harris-Walz” campaign.
The group, formerly known as the Filipino Americans for Harris, congratulated Walz on his selection as the Democratic vice presidential nominee and joined a rally Tuesday evening in Philadelphia, where Harris and Walz made their joint debut and kicked off their battleground state tour.
As a governor, veteran and former teacher and member of Congress, Walz “has dedicated his life to fighting for all Americans, especially working families,” the Filipino Americans for Harris-Walz said in a statement.
The group said Vice President Kamala Harris made an excellent decision when she selected Walz as her running mate.
“(Walz) and Vice President Harris make an exceptional team for the race to the White House and we are looking forward to helping bring that victory in November!” they added. “Governor Walz brings even more energy and excitement to the (presidential) race.”
Community initiative to mobilize Fil-Am voters
Last week, the group held a virtual grassroots gathering that drew over 450 supporters from across the nation and raised $7,000 in donations to support the campaign.
“We have to protect our democracy. Our goals are very simple. We are going to elect Vice President Kamala Harris for president and reach out and energize Filipino American voters especially in battleground states,” National Co-Chair Melissa Ramoso said during the July 30 event.
Former Cerritos Mayor Mark Pulido, who was the national co-chair of the 2020 Filipino Americans for Biden-Harris, said the stakes are high. “We need to continue political empowerment of our Filipino American community, the continuing representation of all our Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AAPI), BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities, and the state of our democracy and, most importantly, the soul of our nation.”
National Co-Chair Mario Salazar, who provided key data and insights on voter participation, said Asian Americans have been the fastest-growing group of eligible voters in the United States over the past two decades.
“As Filipino American voter turnout increases, we have a larger pot to persuade,” he said. “We’re working very closely with the Democratic National Committee to ensure that our volunteers are calling into Filipino American voter lists again this presidential cycle – as affinity organizing has consistently been proven to be incredibly effective.”
Representation
The event was attended by high-profile Fil-Am elected officials who shared their insights and rallied the community.
Also in attendance were Fil-Am appointees to President Biden’s administration, including Nani Coloretti, deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget, and Gina Ortiz Jones, former undersecretary of the Air Force.
A key theme of the event was the importance of representation. Nevada State Assemblymember Erica Mosca said Harris is “someone who sees us, who cares about us, who sees our community.”
New York State Assemblyman Steven Raga added, “You can see why a lot of this really matters to our community. It impacts us on a very regular basis, and we need a person sitting in the Oval Office who can represent us and knows our struggles and issues.”
California Attorney General Rob Bonta shared his personal connection with Vice President Harris, noting their parallel paths as attorney generals of California.
“I’ve had a front-row seat to her trajectory, and I’ve supported her at every turn because she’s got the experience, the expertise, and the energy this country needs, especially now. Kamala Harris is the antidote to Trump,” Bonta said.
Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va), the first and only Filipino American member of Congress, emphasized the critical role of this election. “Our job is to make sure that we get everybody registered to vote, make sure they turn out to vote, and we will elect the next President of the United States, Kamala Harris.”
Battleground swing states were also a focus of the discussion. Alaska State Representative Genevieve Mina shared insights on the shifting political landscape in Alaska.
“The tides are turning in Alaska, particularly in our urban centers, and we want to keep the momentum going,” Mina said.
North Carolina State Representative Maria Cervania emphasized the urgency in her state. “We know our assignment here in North Carolina for 2024: to get out the vote for Kamala Harris and win for her,” she said.
Hawaii State Representative Trish LaChica and Arizona State Representative Junelle Cavero highlighted the unique strengths and call to action within the Filipino community.
“I want to challenge you to leave behind the passive acceptance of bahala na, or ‘let it be,’ because the future of our Filipino community, of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community, is at stake with this presidency,” LaChica said. “So let’s turn bahala na, ‘let it be,’ into laban na, let us fight!’”
“Filipinos, let me tell you, we’re known for execution, at the end of the day, we make it happen. Our neighbors may be apathetic to politics, but each of you can be the spark to ignite their interest again,” she added.
Maryland State Delegate Kris Valderrama highlighted the value of women in leadership, citing studies showing that when women are in leadership, whether in an elected position or otherwise, they help increase productivity, enhance collaboration, inspire dedication and improve fairness.
Maryland State Delegate Kris Valderrama
“Empathy is very important, and women as leaders carry it,” Valderrama said. “We see that in the role she has as vice president. She empathizes not just with women, not just with children, but with everyone.”
The event concluded with next steps for volunteers, including upcoming training sessions focused on voter engagement, overcoming voter apathy and voter suppression, and getting out the vote.
National Co-Chair Genevieve Jopanda outlined these efforts and invited volunteers to sign up here.
New Hampshire State Representative Luz Bay encapsulated the spirit of the event when she said, “It’s the promise of America—a promise that transcends borders, backgrounds and barriers. That’s why I’m with her. That’s why we’re all with her.”
The recording of the event can be accessed here and donations to support the campaign can be made here.
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