More than 2 million Fil-Ams cast their votes in 2024 elections

FILE PHOTO (REUTERS/Paul Ratje)

WASHINGTON – Over 2.14 million Filipino Americans cast their votes across the United States during the recently concluded elections, according to the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA).

NaFFAA said the 2024 elections underscored the significant impact of Fil-Am voters, especially in key battleground states.

NaFFAA National President Mariela Fletcher / FILE PHOTO

“This election year highlights the importance of civic engagement, and we are proud of how Filipino Americans have participated,” said NaFFAA National President Mariela Fletcher.

NaFFAA National Chair Brendan Flores / FILE PHOTO

“Our mission is to empower every Filipino American, encouraging informed voting and active involvement in shaping our nation’s future.”

Fletcher said they look forward to engaging in discussions with the Trump administration to advocate for “policies that benefit our communities and align with our shared values.”

NaFFAA National Chair Brendan Flores emphasized the significance of this election

“Calling this election consequential is an understatement. Many of us feel the weight of this moment, but I hope that, regardless of the outcome, we can come together as Americans,” Flores said.

“The unity and strength within our community demonstrate our shared heritage and commitment to building a brighter future. NaFFAA will continue to champion efforts to ensure that our voices are heard.”

Historic wins

NaFFAA also celebrates the historic wins for Filipino American leaders across the US, each advancing a shared vision for a more inclusive nation.

The election saw groundbreaking wins for Filipino American leaders across the nation.

First-time wins:

• Christopher Cabaldon – First Filipino American elected to the California State Senate, District 3, and former mayor of West Sacramento.
• Jessica Caloza – First Filipina American elected to the California State Assembly, representing District 52.
• Angelito Tenorio – First Filipino American elected to Wisconsin’s State Assembly, District 14.
• Ysabel Jurado – First Filipino American elected to the Los Angeles City Council, District 14.
• Ryyn Schumacher – First and only Filipino American, and first openly gay person of color elected to San Buenaventura City Council, Calif.
• Tatiana Yokoyama Bui – Elected to the ABC Unified School District Board of Trustees, Area 4, Los Angeles County, Calif.

Reelection wins:

• US Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-3) – The only member of Congress of Filipino ancestry, serving in Congress for 32 years.
• Genevieve Mina – Reelected Alaska State Representative, District 19, and the first and only Filipino American in the Alaska Legislature.
• Junelle Cavero Harnal – First Filipina American in the Arizona State Legislature, reelected to District 11.
• Trish La Chica – First Filipino-born American in Hawaii’s House of Representatives, reelected for District 37.
• Steven Raga – New York State Assemblymember for District 30, the first and only Filipino American in this position.
• Maria Cervania – North Carolina state representative for District 41, the first and only Filipino American in the state legislature and one of the first two Asian American women elected to this body.
• Justin Jones – Tennessee state representative for District 52, the first and only Filipino American in the Tennessee Legislature.
• Todd Gloria – Mayor of San Diego, Calif., the first Filipino American, first person of color and first openly LGBTQ+ individual in this role.
• Juslyn Manalo – Reelected to Daly City Council, Calif., previously serving as mayor, the first Filipina American in this role.
• Corey Calaycay – Claremont Mayor Pro Tem, District 1, Calif., serving 19 years and the first Filipino American Mayor of Claremont.
• Alexander Walker-Griffin – Elected to Hercules City Council, Calif., as the youngest council member in the city’s history.
• Nikki Villavicencio – Maplewood City Council Member, Minn., the first disabled Filipinx council member.
• Emily Ann Ramos – First Filipino American on Mountain View City Council, Calif., a strong advocate for housing and tenant protections.
• Mark Nagales – Reelected to South San Francisco City Council, Calif. and former mayor of South San Francisco.
  

  NaFFAA President-elect Ryan Namata/ FILE PHOTO

In a statement, NaFFAA said it is inspired by the achievements of these leaders and “remains steadfast in its mission to support Filipino Americans and increase representation across government.”

“Our votes are powerful, our voices matter, and our unity is our strength,” said NaFFAA President-elect Ryan Namata.

“Together, let’s advocate for our rights, promote our heritage, and inspire future generations to lead with conviction and courage.”

NaFFAA will continue to support initiatives that empower Filipino Americans and promote a vision of inclusivity and equity.

“As President-elect Trump transitions into office, we invite Filipino Americans to stay engaged, informed and united in shaping our community and our nation,” Namata said.