WASHINGTON — Today, AAPI Victory Fund publicly endorsed New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy who is running for re-election. As AAPI Victory Fund continues to engage and empower progressive AAPI voters to be the margin of victory at all levels of the ballot, Governor Murphy’s record as an outspoken supporter of the AAPI community is critical in laying the groundwork to strengthen and expand the political power of AAPIs across the state of New Jersey for years to come. 

As home to the fourth largest AAPI community in the nation, New Jersey has been far from immune from the uptick in anti-AAPI rhetoric and subsequent hate crimes. Long before the increase in anti-AAPI sentiment, Governor Murphy had been a steadfast supporter of the AAPI community. His outspokenness against anti-AAPI hate crimes and violence is an asset to AAPIs, not only in New Jersey but nationwide. New Jerseyans deserve a governor who engages directly with marginalized people and uplifts impacted communities in the policymaking process—Governor Murphy has proven himself to be the leader New Jersey needs. 

AAPI Victory Fund Chairman and Founder Shekar Narasimhan issued the following statement: 

“We’re thrilled to throw our support behind New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Phil Murphy. Governor Murphy has an excellent record of engaging directly with communities  who have been overlooked and excluded from the political decision-making process for far too long.

Governor Murphy’s eagerness to uplift the AAPI community by appointing a diverse array of voices to leadership positions paired with his outspokenness against anti-Asian violence, has already shifted New Jersey toward greater equality, justice and an improved standard of living. We at AAPI Victory Fund are excited to endorse such an exemplary candidate and cannot wait to see what Governor Murphy accomplishes when re-elected as Governor of New Jersey."

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy issued the following statement: 

“I am honored to have the support of the AAPI Victory Fund. Over the past several years, we’ve seen an alarming rise of discrimination and racism directed toward the AAPI community. But we know that our diversity is our strength and our AAPI community enriches New Jersey.

“I’m proud to serve all 9.3 million members of our New Jersey family, and look forward to building on the progress we’ve made to create a stronger, fairer and more equitable state for all”

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The AAPI Victory Fund is focused on mobilizing Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) eligible voters and moving them to the ballot box.