AAPI Victory Fund Endorses Michigan Incumbents Gretchen Whitmer for Governor and Jocelyn Benson for Secretary of State
WASHINGTON — Today, AAPI Victory Fund announced its endorsement of Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson of Michigan for re-election. While in office, Governor Whitmer has made large investments in K-12 education by closing the school funding gap, advocating for affordable healthcare, and prioritizing auto and manufacturing jobs. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has an exemplary track record advocating for free and fair elections, and is committed to democratic reform and the protection of the right to vote.
Michigan is one of the key states where AANHPIs are the fastest-growing sector of the state’s electorate; from 2010 to 2020, the number of eligible AANHPI voters in Michigan grew by 59%. It is clear that the surging AANHPI electorate is becoming a crucial election-determining vote in the state.
AAPI Victory Fund President and CEO Brad Jenkins issued the following statement:
“We are incredibly honored to endorse two trailblazing candidates for Michigan. Governor Whitmer has shown that she is fighting for Michigan’s families by opening pathways to good-paying jobs, investing in local businesses and prioritizing K-12 education.
“Secretary Benson’s accomplishments as a nationally recognized expert in election law clearly show her commitment to the protection of our democracy. Secretary of State races are our last line of defense in the fairness and health of our democracy and ensure election integrity. We are excited to endorse Governor Whitmer and Secretary Benson in their continued fight for justice, democracy and equity for Michiganders.”
AAPI Victory Fund National Political Director Shehn Datta issued the following statement:
“The AAPI Victory Fund is incredibly proud to endorse Governor Whitmer and Secretary Benson, both of whom have shown leadership, commitment to democracy, and dedication to fighting for the future of Michiganders.
"Governor Whitmer and Secretary Benson are focused on making a difference in the lives of Michiganders. Governor Whitmer has prioritized a growing economy - adding auto and manufacturing jobs - and has invested in quality education that is accessible to all. Throughout her term, she has advocated for affordable healthcare and has pledged to protect access to abortion in the Great Lakes State.
"Secretary of State Benson has made a fair and accessible democracy a priority, ensuring that those who have the right to vote can cast a ballot without encumbrances. At a time when our democracy is under threat, protecting accessibility of the right to vote is of the utmost importance.
"We are excited to endorse these incredible candidates, and we can’t wait to see how they will continue to transform Michigan.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the following statement:
“We have faced some challenges over the last few years, but I still believe more unites us than divides us. By bringing people together we have made historic progress in building a stronger Michigan: investing in quality education, lowering the cost of child care, expanding affordable job training, and supporting small businesses. I am grateful to receive the endorsement of the AAPI Victory Fund, and I know that together, we will continue to widen the pathways to opportunity for Michiganders in every corner of the state.”
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson issued the following statement:
“I'm honored to be endorsed by the AAPI Victory Fund. I am particularly grateful that they recognize the importance of protecting our democracy from those who would destroy it. With their support and the support of others, we'll continue the fight for free, fair and transparent elections in 2024 and beyond.”
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The AAPI Victory Fund is focused on mobilizing Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) eligible voters and moving them to the ballot box.