FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, October 8, 2024

AAPI VICTORY FUND ENDORSES LANON BACCAM IN IA-3 CONGRESSIONAL RACE

WASHINGTON D.C. — The AAPI Victory Fund, the only national political action committee dedicated to mobilizing Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) voters and supporting AANHPI candidates for elected office, proudly endorses Lanon Baccam for Congress in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional district. Baccam, a combat veteran, public servant, and the son of Laotian refugees, is running to represent all Iowans and ensure opportunities for working families across the state.

“Lanon Baccam’s story is the American and Iowan story,” said Shekar Narasimhan, chairman and founder of the AAPI Victory Fund. “As the son of immigrants who came to Iowa seeking a better life, he understands the challenges working families face. Lanon has dedicated his life to public service, first in combat and later in government, fighting to ensure everyone has access to good-paying jobs, affordable healthcare, and the right to retire with dignity. His passion for service and leadership make him the ideal candidate to represent Iowans in Congress. The AAPI Victory Fund is proud to stand with Lanon and back his historic run.”

Baccam is running for Congress to provide working families in Iowa the same opportunities that his parents were able to access—good-paying jobs, affordable healthcare, and protection of fundamental rights, including women’s reproductive freedom. As a veteran, public servant, and father, Baccam is committed to making Washington work for Iowans, regardless of party or background.

“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of the AAPI Victory Fund,” said Lanon Baccam. “My campaign is about giving back to the state and the communities that gave my family a chance to succeed. I’m running for Congress because I believe in a future where every Iowan, no matter where they come from, has access to opportunities that allow them to thrive. Together, we can fight for working families, affordable healthcare, reproductive freedom, and a fair economy. I’m grateful for AAPI Victory Fund’s support in this effort.”

Baccam joins the slate of congressional candidates endorsed by AAPI Victory Fund. These candidates include Evan Low in CA-16, Derek Tran in CA-45, and Dave Min in CA-47 – all three of whom successfully advanced from their primaries to the November general election. These candidates for federal office build on record numbers of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders who ran for office in both 2022 and 2023. 

The AAPI electorate has largely been untapped. A survey from the summer of 2022 found more than half of AAPI voters have never been contacted by either political party – making AAPI Victory Fund’s work to engage these voters ever more critical.

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