AAPI Victory Alliance launches chapter in Texas

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The Asian American & Pacific Islander Victory Alliance, AAPI Victory Alliance, announced June 1, 2022, the launch of Rise AAPI, a Texas-based and Texas-led AAPI 501(c)(4) organization.

This launch is part of an ongoing commitment to invest in the building blocks of AAPI political infrastructure in Texas and other key swing states, said a press release from the organization.

Describing Texas as “one of the largest electoral prizes in the national battleground map,” organizers noted there had still been a lack of strong progressive year-round organizing infrastructure in the state when it comes to mobilizing the AAPI community.

Currently, Texas represents the 3rd largest battleground state for AAPIs in the U.S., according to organizer.

And AAPI voters in Texas have grown 137% since 2000 and continue to be one of the fastest growing populations in the South and Sunbelt states, AAPI Victory Alliance estimatems.

“Now is the time to mobilize and strengthen pan-Asian American civic engagement in Texas, one of the fastest growing AAPI populations,” organizers said, adding, “Texas has the ability to change the trajectory of our national politics—but only if investments are made now.”

AAPI Victory Alliance Executive Director Varun Nikore noted that Texas has long needed a strong AAPI political infrastructure.

“Consistent and year-round outreach and engagement on issues that AAPIs care deeply about like gun violence, climate change and small business issues continues to be an unmet need for AAPI communities and with the launch of Rise AAPI, that’s exactly what AAPI Victory Alliance aims to achiev,” Nikore is quoted saying.

The Rise AAPI Executive Director is Nabila Mansoor who said he was excited to work with a group of fervent supporters and leaders to build local and national AAPI political power across Texas.

“Rise AAPI is focused on building voter engagement year-round and increasing AAPI civic engagement and voter turnout,” Mansoor said.

The Indian-American/South Asian board members of Rise AAPI include Judge K.P. George of Fort Bend County,  Rufi Natarajan, a long-time Democratic political activists who has served on the boards of organizations like Planned Parenthood, Nikore, and attorney Ali Hasanali.

On Rise AAPI’s Finance Council, Shampa C. Mukerji, attorney and businesswoman, serves as Chair and Mustafa Tameez, Chief Executive Officer of Outreach Strategists and high profile Democratic consultant, is a member.