WASHINGTON — Today, AAPI Victory Fund announced their latest endorsement for the 2022 election cycle: Katie Hobbs for Governor of Arizona. Secretary Hobbs was raised and educated in Arizona, where she has served as a social worker, a state legislator in both the House and Senate, the Senate Minority Leader, and now the Secretary of State. If elected to Governor of Arizona, Hobbs will continue as the fearless advocate she is and work towards bringing transparency and accountability to the governor’s office while delivering substantial results for the people of Arizona.

As the fastest growing racial or ethnic group in the U.S., AANHPIs make up 4.6% of Arizona’s electorate, a figure that shows an 80% increase in AANHPI turnout in the 2020 election. With a 2020 presidential election margin of just over 10,000 votes in Arizona, it is clear that the surging AANHPI electorate is becoming a crucial election-determining community in the Grand Canyon State. 

AAPI Victory Fund President and CEO Brad Jenkins issued the following statement:

“I am thrilled to lead the AAPI Victory Fund in announcing our endorsement of Katie Hobbs for Governor of Arizona. Our country remains at a divisive inflection point, and it is crucial that Arizonans elect a strong leader with an unwavering commitment to the best interest of every constituent—especially that of our Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community.”

“Katie Hobb’s experience as a social worker advocating for women in crisis, a state legislator working on behalf of all Arizona families, and as a Secretary of State managing a historically secure election for Arizona voters, shows us her proven track record as a leader. Supporting Secretary Hobbs’ people-first gubernatorial race is one way to ensure our historically underrepresented community has a seat at the table and a say in the future of our democracy.”

“We are proud to endorse such an accomplished candidate who remains dedicated to justice, equity, and action. Secretary Hobbs has shown that the time for action is now and we look forward to the urgency and determination she will carry with her to the position of Arizona’s Governor.”

AAPI Victory Fund National Political Director Shehn Datta issued the following statement:

“Arizona’s AANHPI community is in a unique position – as the fastest growing sector of the electorate, we are tasked with the responsibility of the marginal vote, deciding who the next governor could be. At AAPI Victory Fund, we are extremely proud to endorse Katie Hobbs for her gubernatorial race in Arizona this November. Secretary Hobbs is a champion of voting rights, climate solutions, gun violence prevention, and access to reproductive healthcare; she is a fearless advocate for all Arizonan families.”

“We are incredibly honored to endorse such a commendable candidate who is committed to the needs and safety of not only the AANHPI community but all Arizonans. We look forward to watching Secretary Hobbs step into the role of governor and continue to transform Arizona.” 

Arizona Gubernatorial Candidate Katie Hobbs issued the following statement:

"Arizona is the proud home to a diverse and vibrant Asian American and Pacific Islander community, which is one of the fastest growing in the nation but too often gets overlooked,” Secretary of State and Democratic nominee for Governor Katie Hobbs said. “At the same time, AAPI communities are facing a startling uptick in hate crimes. As governor, not only do I promise to ensure our AAPI community is no longer left out of important discussions surrounding economic opportunities and education, but I will fight to protect this vital group from those who seek to sow division and violence in our communities."

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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.