I’m Becca DeFelice, a DNC member elected to represent Asian American and Pacific Islander Texans and the Vice Chair of Communications for the DNC AAPI Caucus.
Yes, Asian Americans live in Texas. In fact, more than 1.2 million of us are eligible to vote this November. We are the margin of victory, the untapped electorate, and the decisive voice in key races up and down the ballot, both in Texas and nationwide. Nine out of ten targeted U.S. Senate races feature an AAPI voting bloc larger than the projected margin of victory. Democrats recognize this transformative power. Look no further than 2020, when the Georgia Democratic Party’s dedicated investments in Asian American outreach helped deliver historic runoff victories for Senator Jon Ossoff and Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock, flipping the Senate blue. When candidates authentically show up for AAPI communities, AAPI voters show up for them at the ballot box.
Republicans have noticed our growing influence, too. But rather than offering solutions to uplift working families or protect our communities, GOP leaders such as Tarrant County GOP Chair Bo French have leaned into divisive tactics — spewing xenophobic rhetoric and attempting to question our place in American civic life. Under Donald Trump’s leadership, anti-Asian hate and violent hostility targeting AAPI families have risen drastically. Across the country, AAPI candidates face targeted online harassment claiming they do not belong in public service. But let’s be clear: We are not asking for permission to belong in America. Whether we are first-generation or fifth-generation, we are proud to be part of America’s strength and culture. Our rights, our dignity, and our votes are woven into American history just as much as anyone else’s.
That’s why Republicans lash out — because they fear our collective strength. AAPI Democratic leaders have consistently spearheaded transformative progress that benefits all working families across the country:
Fighting Gerrymandering & Protecting Democracy: Texas House Democratic Minority Leader Gene Wu has led fierce fights on the front lines to defend voting rights, challenge unfair redistricting maps, and advocate for marginalized communities in Texas.
Championing Working-Class Families: Leaders such as New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani have fought relentlessly for affordable housing, reliable public transit, and fundamental municipal services that ensure every neighborhood thrives.
Securing Reproductive Rights: In Virginia, Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi has stood as a bulwark for reproductive healthcare, helping secure legislation to protect access to contraception for millions.
Expanding Healthcare & Economic Relief: In Cincinnati, Mayor Aftab Pureval spearheaded a groundbreaking program that erased millions in medical debt for residents, showing how AAPI leadership directly relieves financial burdens for entire communities.
And it doesn’t stop there. I am proud to say the DNC continues to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the AAPI community. When Hmong Americans were targeted in Minneapolis, the DNC organized a Lunar New Year Organizing Call to mobilize local resources and empower organizers. From Las Vegas to Milwaukee, we have hosted Know Your Rights workshops to educate residents on voter protection and push back against unjust enforcement tactics. Following attacks from Texas Republicans, the DNC joined forces with Asian American Democrats of Texas to host a “Hate Has No Home Here” Town Hall — reinforcing our shared values and reminding everyone that our rights are non-negotiable.
Over my 12 years in advocacy and political organizing, from starting as a grassroots volunteer to serving on the DNC, I’ve seen how often our community is overlooked. But I’ve also witnessed our extraordinary power and resilience. We have built civic infrastructure from the ground up, elected champions of equity, and demonstrated that when AAPI leaders lead, all communities benefit. This November will mark another historic milestone in that ongoing movement.
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Stories like Becca’s exemplify the extraordinary difference grassroots leaders throughout our community make each day. With the midterms fast approaching, amplifying and honoring these perspectives is critical. We encourage you to share your journey and partner with us to spotlight authentic voices.
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