WASHINGTON — Today, AAPI Victory Fund announced their latest endorsement for the 2022 election cycle: Mandela Barnes, candidate for U.S. Senate from Wisconsin. Currently serving as Lieutenant Governor,  Mandela Barnes comes from a proud union family who taught him the values of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of good education. As Lt. Governor, Mandela has worked closely with Governor Evers to help Wisconsin recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, centering the needs of Wisconsinites. As Senator, Barnes will continue to fight for hard-working families in Wisconsin and the country. 

As the fastest growing racial or ethnic group in the U.S., AANHPIs make up 2.3% of Wisconsin’s electorate, a figure that shows a 64% increase from 2010 to 2020. It is clear that the surging AANHPI electorate is becoming a crucial election-determining community in the state. 

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

“I am thrilled to announce AAPI Victory Fund’s endorsement of Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes for the U.S. Senate. Centered in the Barnes campaign are the needs of middle-class families - the fight for economic justice, protections from extremist anti-abortion laws, and championing climate solutions and a healthy democracy. A trailblazing candidate, Mandela Barnes will fight to create opportunity in every corner of Wisconsin and for every Wisconsinite. We at AAPI Victory Fund can’t wait to see what he does in the Senate.” 

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

“AANHPIs in Wisconsin will be in good hands with a Senator like Mandela Barnes. Barnes’ proven track record of putting middle-class families at the center of his policies and passion for giving everyone a fair shot at achieving the American dream is what Wisconsinites need in times of political and economic strife.  Mandela is an exemplary candidate for Wisconsin because he understands the critical policy issues affecting middle-class families in Wisconsin today and centers them at the heart of his policies. We are  honored to endorse such a highly accomplished and progressive candidate.” 

Wisconsin U.S. Senate Candidate Mandela Barnes issued the following statement: 

“It’s an honor to be endorsed by the AAPI Victory Fund. The AAPI community plays a tremendous role in our state’s history, culture, economy, and livelihood. Together, we have an opportunity to rebuild the middle class and create a future where we all live a dignified life. I’m proud to have the support of the AAPI Victory Fund in this fight for fairness, freedom, and our future."

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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.