Dear Members and Supporters,

In this edition of the AAAFund newsletter, we’re excited to share what we’ve been building together. You’ll meet our new and returning board members, revisit some of our favorite moments from this year’s events, and get a preview of what’s ahead this fall.

We’re also announcing the first round of our 2026 federal endorsements, sharing a message from our National Chair, and inviting you to join us in taking the next steps to grow AAPI representation in Congress.

Board Updates: Expanding Our Reach, Deepening Our Roots

We’ve made changes that reflect our broader strategy to invest in strong leadership, broaden representation, and embrace innovation to fuel the next chapter of our work.

Willard Tom Joins Our Emeritus Board

We are pleased to share that Willard Tom, longtime AAAFund board member and dedicated advocate for AAPI representation, will transition to our Emeritus Board. Willard’s leadership, insight, and unwavering commitment have shaped AAFund’s growth, and we look forward to continuing to benefit from his guidance in this new role.

This Year So Far: Community in Action

We’ve had a meaningful start to the year, with key events that brought together our community and energized our mission.

AAAAFund Lunar New Year Fundraising Reception

We welcomed the Year of the Snake with a vibrant celebration in Washington, DC, bringing together supporters, partners, and some of the most influential leaders in Congress.

Guests included top members of House Democratic leadership—Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, Chair Pete Aguilar, and Vice Chair Ted Lieu—alongside Reps. Susie Lee, Dave Min, and Derek Tran. We were also honored to be joined by former U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai.

AAPI Clearinghouse Calls

AAAFund hosted conversations with CAPAC Chair Rep. Grace Meng (left) and DNC Executive Director Roger Lau (right). From the need for early AAPI outreach to building long-term political infrastructure, both leaders shared candid insights on how to embed AAPI voices in national strategy.

Mark your calendars for AAAFund’s annual Mid-Autumn Moon Festival Reception on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, in Washington, DC. This flagship event brings together elected leaders, rising changemakers, and our community to celebrate shared values and collective progress.

Join us and our special guests (more VIPs TBA):

★ Senator Andy Kim (NJ) ★

Click here to RSVP or reach out to Linda at [email protected] for more information.

We’re also excited to invite you to two additional events this fall:

AAAFund Reception for Congressman Dave Min (CA-47)

September 17 at 6:30 PM ET | Washington, DC | Co-Host: Jason Park | RSVP

AAAFund Reception for Congressman Derek Tran (CA-45)

September 29 at 5:00 PM ET | Washington, DC | Co-Hosts: Jacob Hochberg and AAAFund board member Carrie Pugh | RSVP

Our First Endorsements for the 2026 Cycle

This cycle is already shaping up to be a powerful one, and we’re starting strong with four candidates who are ready to lead.

• Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) for U.S. Senate, Illinois: A five-term congressman representing Illinois’ 8th District, Krishnamoorthi has been a national leader on issues ranging from workforce development to national security. If elected, he would be the first South Asian American to represent Illinois in the U.S. Senate.

• Dr. Amish Shah for Arizona’s First Congressional District: An emergency physician and former state legislator, Dr. Shah has passed more bills into law than any Arizona Democrat in the last decade. We proudly endorsed him in 2024 and are excited to support him again.

• Eric Chung for Michigan’s Tenth Congressional District: A former U.S. Commerce Department attorney and son of Vietnamese immigrant auto workers, Chung brings national policy experience and deep local roots to a critical swing district.

• Anuj Dixit for California’s Forty-First Congressional District: A civil rights lawyer and Inland Empire native, Dixit is running to bring new leadership to Congress and elevate South Asian voices at the federal level.

A Note from AAAFund National Chair

As we move through the second half of 2025, AAAFund remains focused on expanding our reach, strengthening our leadership, and building lasting political power.

Make no mistake — the 2026 midterm elections will determine the direction of our nation for generations to come. We must win back the House to restore accountability, protect our communities, and halt the dangerous rollbacks already underway. The brazen GOP effort to force redistricting outside the regular 10-year cycle is designed to lock in power and silence our voices. ICE raids have targeted members of our community and spread fear in our neighborhoods. New tariffs threaten the survival of countless AAPI small businesses. And deep federal funding cuts to our healthcare system will leave vulnerable families without the care they need.

We must stand with our newly elected champions — Reps. Derek Tran, Dave Min, and Suhas Subramanyam — and support a new generation of AAPI leaders running for Congress, ensuring they have the resources and backing to deliver for our communities.

We cannot afford to sit on the sidelines and allow an unfit, reckless leader to dismantle decades of progress from the civil rights movement. The stakes are higher than ever, and history will judge what we do in this moment. This is the most urgent call to action we have ever faced. Together, we can organize, mobilize, and ensure our communities’ voices are not just heard, but heeded in the halls of power.

Thank you for your continued support. There is more to come, and we’re just getting started.

Albert Shen
National Chair, AAAFund

New Giving Option: Donate with Crypto

We’re excited to offer a new way to support our mission. AAAFund now accepts cryptocurrency contributions. This modern, secure giving option helps us engage a broader community of donors and build long-term political power with flexibility and innovation.

If you’re part of the crypto community or just looking for a new way to give, your contribution can help shape the future of federal leadership.