St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and local Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) leaders joined Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval, Cincinnati’s first Asian American mayor, in St. Paul to celebrate Minnesota AANHPI Communities for Harris, a national organizing and engagement program that is mobilizing AANHPI voters, communities, and leaders across the country.
The Biden-Harris administration has been fighting for AANHPI communities – lowering costs, expanding opportunity, and protecting their fundamental freedoms. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s Project 2025 agenda would give massive handouts to his billionaire buddies and big corporations at AANHPI families’ expense.
In 2020, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander voters were instrumental in electing Vice President Kamala Harris, and the AANHPI turnout rate increased the most out of any demographic compared to the previous presidential election. An estimated 15 million voters identify as AANHPI this cycle – and as the fastest-growing voting bloc, they are poised to play a pivotal role in protecting the progress made under the Biden-Harris administration and defeating Donald Trump’s racist and toxic agenda at the ballot box once again.
“As the first Asian American mayor of Cincinnati, I understand the importance of representation and the power of our voices in shaping the future of our cities and our country,” said Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval. “As we look towards the future, it is crucial that we continue to support leaders who believe in unity, compassion, and progress. Vice President Harris is one of our own, and has shown that she is committed to these values, standing in stark contrast to the divisive, hateful rhetoric of Donald Trump. We have the power to elect the first Asian president, and we will make history together by electing Vice President Harris as the next president of the United States.”
“Under the Biden-Harris administration, we have seen a renewed commitment to supporting the AANHPI community. Initiatives aimed at combating anti-Asian hate, increasing access to capital for minority-owned businesses, and promoting cultural understanding are all steps in a direction that is bringing us forward,” said St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter. “This stands in stark contrast to the divisive, racist rhetoric and policies of the Trump administration, which has sowed fear and division among our communities. That is why it is critical that we elect Kamala Harris as president and continue this progress.”
“Minneapolis thrives thanks to the dedication and hard work of our AANHPI residents. From vibrant businesses that drive our local economy to community organizations that foster unity and support, their contributions to our city are invaluable,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. “The Biden-Harris administration has shown steadfast support for the AANHPI community — addressing issues from economic inequality to combating the anti-Asian hate that Donald Trump’s rhetoric exacerbated. Vice President Harris is the kind of leader our country needs and I am thrilled to be supporting her candidacy for president.”
“The choice is clear: Kamala Harris is fighting for us and Donald Trump is fighting for himself,” said Shivanthi Sathanandan. “Her dedication to justice, equality, and progress is evident in every step of her career. From her time as a prosecutor to her role as California’s attorney general and now as vice president, she has always fought for the underrepresented and the underserved. Her work in criminal justice reform, health care, and economic equity aligns perfectly with the values that our AANHPI community holds dear.”
