WASHINGTON — Today, AAPI Victory Fund announced their latest endorsements for the 2022 election cycle in Maryland: Wes Moore, candidate for Governor, and Aruna Miller, candidate for Lieutenant Governor.

Gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore is a combat veteran, NYT bestselling author, small business owner, Rhodes Scholar, and former CEO of one of the nation’s largest anti-poverty organizations, Robin Hood. Moore has devoted his life’s work to the basic principle of equity– no matter one’s start in life, he believes that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to succeed. 

Sharing the ticket with Wes Moore is Lieutenant Governor candidate Aruna Miller. Miller’s family, like many, immigrated to the United States from India when she was seven years old. Aruna went on to choose a life dedicated to public service and removing systemic barriers, where she has successfully created countless opportunities for Marylanders. 

As the fastest-growing racial or ethnic demographic in the United States, AANHPIs make up 6% of Maryland’s electorate, a figure that shows a 53% increase in AANHPI voter eligibility since 2010. It is clear that the surging AANHPI electorate is becoming a crucial election-determining vote and a rising political force in the Old Line State.

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

“It is with great honor that I get to lead the AAPI Victory Fund in announcing our endorsements of Wes Moore and Aruna Miller; two tireless champions of equity and opportunity with an unwavering commitment to the best interest of their Maryland constituents—especially that of our Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.

“It is more important than ever that our AANHPI communities elect strong leaders - at all levels of government - who embody the urgency of this moment, and work tirelessly to create meaningful solutions. We are so pleased to endorse these two accomplished candidates who remain dedicated to improving the lives and dignity of each and every Marylander.

“Gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor candidate Aruna Miller continue to show that the time for action is now and we look forward to the passion and determination they will each carry with them to their respective positions if elected this November.”

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

“At AAPI Victory Fund, we are extremely proud to endorse Gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor candidate Aruna Miller for their respective races in Maryland this November. Communities of color remain vastly underrepresented in critical executive leadership positions at all levels of government, and our AANHPI Maryland community may be in the position to change that.

“The AAPI Victory Fund team is proud to help curb this cycle of malicious underrepresentation and endorse Wes Moore and Aruna Miller for their respective races. We look forward to supporting the governor and lieutenant governor as they flip these seats from red to blue and expand the Democratic influence in Maryland.”

Maryland Gubernatorial Candidate Wes Moore issued the following statement:

“Leaving no one behind means fighting to help every Marylander, regardless of the color of their skin, who they love, or who they worship. If elected, I’ll do everything I can to make sure we’re creating a more prosperous future for everyone. I know the AAPI Victory Fund has been on the frontlines of that fight, which I’m so grateful to have them amongst our ranks as we work to build a more inclusive Maryland.”

Maryland Lieutenant Governor Candidate Aruna Miller issued the following statement:

“Maryland is the most diverse state on the East Coast, and our elected leadership is reflective of our communities. Every Marylander deserves a chance to succeed, but it can only happen with equal access to opportunities. And Wes Moore and I will work to strengthen laws to combat hate crimes, streamline the regulatory process for small businesses to succeed, and honor the contributions AAPIs and our collective diverse communities have made in Maryland’s history. We are honored to earn the AAPI Victory Fund endorsement because we know our democracy is made stronger when we cast a wider electoral net.”

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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.