Author: Christina Baal Owens

Christina Baal Owens began her career in the labor and immigrant rights’ movements including the New York Immigration Coalition, where she ran one of the largest voter registration programs for newly naturalized immigrants. She served as the New York state organizing director for the Hillary for America campaign and worked in leadership for two major labor unions. Prior to joining voting rights organization Public Wise, she worked as the assistant comptroller for community affairs for New York state.

Asian Americans Are a Powerful Voting Bloc. It’s Time for the Political World to Start Acting Like It

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) are the fastest growing racial group in the U.S. and a powerful voting bloc. Yet, they remain underrepresented in almost every industry, including politics. 

AAPI voters feel ignored and overlooked by both political parties. And there are only two AAPI senators—Mazie Hirono and Tammy Duckworth—and 19 representatives currently serving at the federal level. There have only been six AAPI governors in the history of the U.S., none of whom are currently in office. 

Electing Asian American and Pacific Islanders isn’t just about visibility; it leads to better policies, better lives and improved livelihoods. Investing in AAPI organizing and representation can’t wait.