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Dem pols praise “historic night” for Asian American/Pacific Islander candidates

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* Press release…

Following the Illinois primary election results, U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Illinois Senator Ram Villivalam, and Illinois Representative Theresa Mah issued the following joint statement:

“Tuesday, June 28th, was a historic night for the hundreds of thousands of individuals who identify as Asian American or Pacific Islander (AAPI) in the great state of Illinois,” they said. “Several immensely qualified AAPI candidates won in contested elections for U.S. Congress, the Illinois State Senate, the Illinois General Assembly, and other key local positions in Cook County Government and across the state. While the Illinois Republican Party continues to elect candidates who promote the sanctity of ‘white life,’ Illinois Democrats continue to promote inclusivity, unity, and prosperity for all.”

“But make no mistake: racial, cultural, and religious minorities are not elected to public office by accident,” they added. “These candidates and their supporters have worked tirelessly to earn a proverbial seat at the table. We look forward to continuing our support of these candidates to ensure they are victorious in November.”

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi won his primary election decisively on Tuesday night, receiving 71% of the vote. Congressman Raja is one of only four Indian-Americans in the U.S. Congress, and is the first ever South Asian to serve as Chair of a Committee or Subcommittee in Congress.

State Senator Ram Villivalam also won his reelection. He is the first Asian American elected to the Illinois Senate.

State Representative Theresa Mah also won her re-election for Illinois District 24. She is the first Asian American to serve in the Illinois General Assembly.

Additional key primary victories for U.S. Congress, the IL General Assembly include, and Cook County Government include:

• U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth
• State Representative Gong-Gershowitz, IL-17 (incumbent)
• State Representative Janet Yang Rohr, IL-41 (incumbent)
• Hoan Huynh, IL-13
• Kevin Olickal, IL-16
• Azam Nizamuddin, IL-48
• Nabeela Syed, IL-51
• Sharon Chung, IL-91
• Josina Morita, Cook County Commissioner
• Judge Rena Mare Van Tine, Circuit Court of Cook County
• Judge Sanjay Tailor, Circuit Court of Cook County

…Adding… My curiosity got the best of me and I had to look up Azam Nizamuddin. He lives in Bloomingdale and ran unopposed in the primary. He will face Hanover Park resident Jennifer Sanalitro in the 48th House District. It’s a swingy kinda-Dem district in presidential years, but has leaned Republican in off years.

Also, I’ve told subscribers this, but all of you should know that Sharon Chung is one hard-working candidate. Keep an eye on her.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jul 1, 22 @ 9:49 am

Comments

good results in the collars, too! enalyn costa in will county, yeena yoo in dupage, sonni choi williams for the 3rd appellate district

Comment by Noah Friday, Jul 1, 22 @ 9:58 am
Fired up for Sharon Chung. She will be leading the continuous Blue Wave we have seen in McLean County since 2016.

Comment by The Real Captain Friday, Jul 1, 22 @ 10:07 am
Good for Judge Tailor. He is one of the best judges I have encountered in my career.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Friday, Jul 1, 22 @ 10:07 am
Some really important and impressive wins here. I’ve said this before, but these folks’ ability to build a shared identity among voters of different cultural origins has been a rousing success. I’m especially happy to see Krishnamoorthi swat away an opponent who tried to crack that coalition along old sectarian lines. Hopefully it’s the last time someone tries that nonsense.

Comment by vern Friday, Jul 1, 22 @ 11:18 am
Azam ran a great race for Circuit Judge in DuPage last cycle, but came up half a point short. Glad he has found the district and race that will appreciate his voice.

Comment by Abu Iskandr Friday, Jul 1, 22 @ 12:52 pm